Two men arrested in Belfast on suspicion of attempted murder

Man (41) in serious condition, PSNI says attack appears to be ‘punishment’ shooting

PSNI have arrested two men on suspicion of attempted murder after a man was shot in the leg in west Belfast late on Tuesday night.
PSNI have arrested two men on suspicion of attempted murder after a man was shot in the leg in west Belfast late on Tuesday night.

PSNI have arrested two men on suspicion of attempted murder after a man was shot in the leg in west Belfast late on Tuesday night.

Police responded after a 41-year-old man was shot in the Glasvey Drive of Twinbrook.

The man was taken to hospital where his condition was described as “serious”.

With the assistance of the PSNI helicopter the police located two suspects in the Aspen Walk area.

READ SOME MORE

Two men aged 25 and 35 were arrested and are currently being questioned by detectives.

Police appealed for anyone with information to bring it forward to them.

They said they did not yet have a motive for the shooting notwithstanding that it appears to bear the hallmarks of a so-called “punishment” shooting.

Sinn Féin junior Minister Jennifer McCann condemned the shooting and said that local people were “shocked and angered” by the attack.

“Following the shooting there was a major police operation in the area and tensions were running high. I am calling on people to remain calm,” she added.

“There needs to be a full and thorough investigation by the PSNI into the circumstances of last night’s shooting and those responsible must be brought to justice,” added the West Belfast MLA.

Gerry Moriarty

Gerry Moriarty

Gerry Moriarty is the former Northern editor of The Irish Times