Man shot in the leg in North Belfast

Q Newsdesk

A man's been shot in the leg in North Belfast.

Police have described the attack that happened in the Ardoyne Avenue area late last night as brutal.

The victim - in his 30's - was taken to hospital with a gunshot wound to his leg and bruising on his face.

Shortly afterwards there was another incident in the same area ..when a man attacked and injured two people with a machete.

Police say the timing of these incidents is particularly concerning as a local community event was taking place.

Detective Sergeant Danielle Moffett said:

“A man in his 30s was taken to hospital last night and treated for a gunshot wound to his calf and bruising to his face.  

“The circumstances of this incident are particularly concerning as it took place at the same time as a local community event. This was a brutal attack and yet another example of how criminal groups seek to control communities through fear and violence.

“Shortly after this, at around 10.40pm, an agitated male was seen in the Ardoyne road area, wielding a machete.  He was described as being dark-haired, wearing a white tee-shirt and dark bottoms and swinging the weapon around him.  It was reported that two males disarmed him before then becoming involved in an altercation with him.  We believe a male and a female may have received minor injuries during the incident.

“If anyone witnessed either of these incidents or has any information that could be useful to our investigation into them, they should phone detectives at Musgrave on 101, quoting reference number 1619 of 25/8/18.”