Sinn Féin delegation meets PSNI over recent shootings in Derry-Londonderry

by Gráinne Connolly

A meeting was held in Derry-Londonderry this week between Sinn Féin members and senior police officers, to discuss a spate of recent shootings across the city. 

In the past 3 weeks alone, there have been 3 shootings in the city. 

On Tuesday 31st OF October, shots were fired at a home in the Racecourse Park area where two women were inside but weren't hurt. 

This was followed by the shooting of a 17 year old in the Gartan Square on Wednesday 8th November; who was shot in the leg by two masked men. 

Only 4 days later a 44 year old was also shot in the leg in the Madam Bank Road area on Sunday the 12th of November.

The Sinn Féin delgation included Elisha McCallion MP and Raymond McCartney, MLA and the party's justice spokesperson. 

Speaking after the meeting, McCartney reiterated the call for the "PSNI to get to grips with armed gangs". 

He said: 

"I made it clear to the PSNI that they must step up to the mark and tell the public exactly what they are doing about these incidents, and that needs to go beyond giving stock answers. 

"I also highlighted the very serious questions that are emerging about how the PSNI is handling these incidents. 

"There is growing perception in the community that these armed gangs are operating with impunity. 

"The community has rejected these attacks, there is no place for guns on the streets of our city. 

"Sinn Féin will continue to engage with the PSNI in the time ahead to ensure progress is made in bringing these attacks to an end before someone loses their life.”

Throughout the shootings, PSNI in the area have always made appeals for witnesses and more information to investigate the incidents. 

They were contacted by Q Radio in response to the meeting with Sinn Féin but a response has not been issued as of yet. 

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