Man shot in legs in Belfast

A man was shot several times in the legs in an attack in west Belfast today.

The 27-year-old was shot in the knees and ankles in broad daylight by two men who targeted him in the Monagh Road.

Police said he had just stopped his car and got out when he was attacked.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries which not believed to be life-threatening.

Police said they were trying to establish a motive for the shooting.

However, despite the way the shooting was carried out, a police spokesman said there was no suggestion of paramilitary involvement.

A number of people were in the street at the time of the shooting and they were urged to contact detectives.

It was the second such shooting in west Belfast within 36 hours – a 17-year-old was shot in the legs on Monday night.

SDLP West Belfast MLA Alex Attwood has condemned what he called another punishment attack.

He said: “I understand that, in the last few hours, there has been a second assault on a person, this time in Turf Lodge, not far from Monday night’s attack in Ballymurphy.

“People now need to warn themselves of the risk of such incidents escalating.

“I repeat also what I said yesterday, that certain people and groups have been creating a dangerous atmosphere that contributes to this situation.

“Everybody needs to be careful what they say and do, so that the situation doesn’t deteriorate.”