IRA was trying to kill me, claims shooting victim

A dissident republican shot by paramilitaries in north Belfast has accused the Provisional IRA of trying to kill him because of his political views, it emerged today.

The 32-year-old victim suffered bullet wounds to the leg after being dragged into an alleyway in the Old Park area by a gang of masked men last night.

But the man, who did not want to be identified, also claimed a gun was pointed to his head.

He told BBC Radio Ulster: “I believe it was more than a punishment-style attack.

“I believed my life was at stake and these people were sent out to murder me because I have spoken out against these people on several occasions.

“My views are completely different from theirs.”