Man shot in foot by masked men in Belfast cemetery

Incident occurred at the City Cemetery on the Falls Road on Thursday night

epa07261133 (FILE) - Northern Ireland's PSNI crest outside Antrim police station in Antrim, Northern Ireland, 02 May 2014 (reissued 04 January 2019). British media reports on 04 January 2019 state Police Service of Northern Ireland, PSNI has asked up to 1,000 officers to be deployed in Northern Ireland as a reinforcement in case of a no-deal Brexit. Authorities fear violence could occur if a hard border will be established between EU member Ireland and Northern Ireland.  EPA/PAUL MCERLANE
PSNI said the victim taken into the cemetery grounds by two masked men and shot once in his foot. Photograph: Paul Mcerlane/EPA

A male has been shot in the foot by masked men in Belfast. The incident occurred shortly after 10.30pm on Thursday at the City Cemetery on the Falls Road.

The man was taken to hospital for treatment. The PSNI said the victim taken into the cemetery grounds by two masked men and shot once in his foot.

Sergeant McCrum said: “Police received a report shortly after 10.30pm that two masked men had taken a man into the City Cemetery in the Falls Road area. The man, aged in his 20s, was then shot in the foot before the suspects, dressed in dark clothing, fled the scene. The victim was taken to hospital by our Northern Ireland Ambulance Service colleagues for treatment to his injuries which, thankfully, are not believed to be life-threatening at this time.

“This shooting is a clear violation of the victim’s human rights. Everyone has the right to live their life free from the threat of violence. “There is no justification for this type of attack. Those responsible place not just the victim at risk, but also the wider community.

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“Our investigation has just begun. We are appealing to anyone who was in the area last night who noticed anything suspicious, or who may have dash-cam or mobile footage that could help with our enquiries, to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 2231 of 08/06/23.”

A report can also be made online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/ – PA