Man shot by lone cyclist during "barbaric" west Belfast attack

by Q Radio News

A man has been shot in both legs, in what police have described as a "barbaric" attack, in west Belfast. 

The 23-year-old was walking along Springhill Drive when he was approached by a lone man on a bicycle at around 10.30pm last night.

He was ordered to lie down before being shot in the legs. 

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment for gunshot wounds. 

(Springhill Drive, west Belfast - Google maps)

Detective Inspector Dane said, "This was a brutal attack for which there is no justification.

"There is no place for attacks such as this in our society.  Nothing gives these people the right to violate the human rights of people and their actions should be condemned by all.

"Those who are involved in these attacks do not represent the interests of this community, nor do they contribute anything to it.

"They do it to try and exert influence, or gain control of those they claim to represent.

“Our health service colleagues have a big enough challenge on their hands as they continue protecting our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The last thing they need is to deal with the aftermath of this senseless and barbaric shooting.

“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed this incident or anyone who has information that could assist us with our enquiries to contact detectives at Musgrave on 101, quoting reference 1994 10/05/20." 

Meanwhile, local councillor Paul Doherty has condemned the shooting. 

He said, "The shooting in West Belfast was a brutal attack committed by criminals who need to face justice. No one can be allowed to intimidate this community.

“Those responsible have nothing to offer people here. We’re trying to build a better Belfast and acts like this only make that harder.

"They have to be faced down. It is a disgrace that when our health and emergency services are already stretched dealing with a public health emergency, an attack like this occurred.

“I would appeal to anyone with information to bring it forward to the PSNI.” 

Alternatively, information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.