Man shot in ‘paramilitary-style’ attack while son was at home

A man was shot in both ankles in a “paramilitary-style” attack by three masked men who broke into his house on Saturday night.

His young son was also at their west Belfast home at the time but did not witness the shooting, a Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) spokesperson said.

The “traumatised” boy ran to a neighbour’s house to raise the alarm and police were called to the scene.

His father, in his forties, was taken to hospital, where he will receive surgery.

Detective Inspector Kerry Brennan said the shooting was a “brutal” attack: “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. Our investigation is underway and we are working to establish a motive for this horrific attack.”

Police are appealing for information and encourage anyone who saw three men in the Brook Drive area at 10.35pm to come forward.

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