Detectives at Strand Road police station issue appeal after 44-year-old man shot last night in Derry
POLITICIANS from across Derry have condemned the latest “brutal and horrific” shooting in the city carried out by dissident republicans.
Last night a 44-year-old and a friend were walking along Madams Bank Road in at around 8pm last night when they were approached by a group of men.
The victim was shot once while his friend was not injured in the attack.
The men made off along Madams Bank Road in the direction of Carranbane Walk.
The victim was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital but his injury is not believed to be life threatening.
Police have appealed for information to contact detectives at Strand Road police station on the 101 number.
A PSNI spokesman said: “The man was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries.
“Whilst these injuries are not life threatening, this was a brutal and horrific attack. It is yet another example of how criminal groups seek to control communities through fear and violence.”
Police are under pressure to crack down and catch those behind the shooting, the fourth in the past fortnight.
Last week a 17-year-old boy was shot at a house in Gartan Square which was branded as “child abuse”.
Condemning the incident, SDLP councillor Brian Tierney said: “People in our community will be frightened to learn of another shooting taking place on our streets.”.
Sinn Féin Councillor Sandra Duffy said that the PSNI needs to get to grips with armed gangs responsible for an ever growing number of shootings in the city over recent months.
Councillor Duffy said “Once again last night we had a man shot.
“This follows several incidents in this area and across the city over recent months.
“This has included a number of young men being shot in the legs; shots being fired into houses, and armed gangs trying to enter houses.
“The community wants these actions to stop. And it’s important to repeat the message that there is no place for guns on the streets of our city.
“But there are also very serious questions here about how the PSNI is handling these incidents.
“There is a growing perception in the community that these armed gangs are operating with impunity.
“The PSNI need to step up to the mark and tell the public exactly what they are doing about this, and that needs to go beyond giving stock answers.
“The people of this city have a right to know what the PSNI is doing to bring to book those responsible for these attacks before someone loses their life.”
The Chair of the Derry and Strabane Policing and Community Safety Partnership, Alderman Drew Thompson, also condemned last night’s shooting.
“This attack follows the recent shooting of a child in Gartan Square and must be condemned outright by all members of our community,” he said.
“The assault on this man cannot be justified in any way.
“The criminal gang that carried out the shooting have no concern for people living in the area and attacks like these have no place in our society.
“I would appeal to anyone with information on any of these shootings to contact the police or Crimestoppers immediately.,” added Alderman Thompson.
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