TWO men have been taken to hospital following paramilitary-style attacks in Derry on Friday night.
The attacks occurred within just 10 minutes of each other less than 100 metres apart in the Ballymagroarty area.
A 24-year-old man was shot in the knee at around 8.10pm close to Corrib Court, before a 34-year-old man was shot in the leg near O’Casey Court.
“We are treating both incidents as paramilitary-style attacks; attacks that were brutal and vicious and will leave these two men with both physical and psychological scars,” said Det Sgt Michelle Boyd.
“These attacks are yet again more examples of how criminal groups seek to control communities through fear and violence.”
A PSNI spokesperson condemned the shootings, which took place in busy residential areas.
SHOOTING IN BALLYMAC
It depresses me that I’ve déjà vu writing this. Two males were shot in Paramilitary Style Attacks around 8pm in two nearby locations in Ballymac
Innocent residents shouldn’t have to worry about criminal thugs shooting people outside their homes.#NoMore pic.twitter.com/N2SyIlgoVg
— PSNI DC&S District (@PSNIDCSDistrict) February 1, 2019
“I’m here now and there are still lots of people out walking their dogs,” said the spokesperson on the PSNI Foyle Facebook page.
“There’s families parking up and walking to the house.
“There’s taxis dropping off fares and teens walking in groups.
“Innocent residents should not have to worry about criminal thugs shooting people outside their homes.
“They shouldn’t be scared to let their kids walk to the shop in case they stumble across this. This has to stop.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1186 of 1/2/19.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
