Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
TERRIFIED BOY SEES DAD SHOT IN LEGS
Child raises alarm after masked thugs burst into home and open fire
A YOUNG child has been left traumatised after witnessing his dad being shot in a “brutal” attack.
Police were called to the Brooke Drive area of West Belfast on Saturday night after the boy ran to a neighbour’s home to raise the alarm.
Det Insp Kerry Brennan said: “We received a report at 10.40pm that three masked men entered a house and shot the male occupant, aged in his 40s, in both ankles. The man’s child
ran to a neighbour’s house to raise the alarm and police subsequently attended the scene, along with the NIAS who transferred the victim to hospital where he remains this morning to undergo surgery.
“This was a brutal attack and occurred in the man’s home while his young son was present.
“This young boy was placed in a reprehensible situation and has been left traumatised by the vicious and merciless actions of these thugs who hide behind masks. This is nothing short of emotional and psychological abuse of a child.
“Nothing gives these people the right to violate the human rights of people and their actions should be condemned by all. Those who are involved in these attacks do not represent the interests of this community, nor do they contribute anything to it.
“They do it to try and exert influence, or gain control of those they claim to represent. No one has the right to violate the rights of others.” Inspector Brennan said they are working to establish a motive for the “horrific attack” and urged anyone with information to come forward.
She added: “I want to appeal to anyone with any information about this attack to pick up the phone and tell us what you know. I would also appeal to anyone who noticed three men in the area at around 10.35pm and who left at around 10.40pm to call.”