Updated 5.25pm
THE POLICE SERVICE of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has appealed for witnesses following a shooting in Magowan Park in Derry last night.
Shortly before 9pm it was reported that a man, aged in his 20s, had been shot in the leg. He was taken to hospital for treatment for two gunshot wounds to his right leg. He is in a critical condition.
Commenting on the shooting, Superintendent Mark McEwan, district commander of Derry city and Strabane, said: “This was a brutal attack on a young man last night. This has all the hallmarks of a paramilitary-style attack. There are a number of lines of inquiry, however the investigation is focussing on violent dissident Republican groupings.
“It is understandable that people are fearful, however we will treat any information sensitively and we will deal with the witnesses sensitively but we do need that information to help us progress the investigation.
Those who are involved in paramilitary style attacks do not represent the interests of any community nor contribute anything to it. They prey on the community and have no legitimacy in dealing with perceived unlawful behaviour or misdemeanours. This type of activity has no place in a civilised society.
“Those who are involved in such behaviour have no thought or concern for their victims, victim’s families or the wider community.
“It is clear that the vast majority of people here have chosen to support the police and support law and order. Those small groups of individuals who continue to try and terrorise people and commit criminal acts must be isolated from communities.”
McEwan urged “every right-minded member of society” to work with police to “bring these people before the courts and make Northern Ireland a safer place”.
‘Fear and intimidation’
Local Sinn Féin MLA Maeve McLaughlin also condemned the shooting. In a statement released last night she said:
“The perpetrators of this attack have nothing to offer but fear and intimidation.
These attacks have been rejected by our communities and they have no place in the new Ireland we are trying to build.
“Our thoughts are obviously with the man who has been injured and his family and I would urge anyone with any information to bring it to the PSNI immediately.”
Detectives have appealed for anyone with information to come forward. They can contact detectives in Strand Road on 101. Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
- with reporting by Catherine Healy
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