Man shot in legs by ‘a number of masked men’ in north Belfast, police say

PSNI detective appeals for witnesses and says ‘no justification’ for attack in Cranbrook Gardens area at 1.50am on Sunday

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
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is appealing for information and witnesses after a man was shot in the legs in north Belfast in the early hours of Sunday. Photograph: Paul McErlane/EPA

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is appealing for information and witnesses after a man was shot in the legs in north Belfast in the early hours of Sunday.

The PSNI was alerted to the shooting in the Cranbrook Gardens area, which was allegedly carried out by “a number of masked men”, shortly after 1.50am.

“Police attended the scene together with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service,” said Det Sgt Alexander

“The victim, who is aged in his 30s, was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries. He remains in a stable condition at this time.”

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Condmening the shooting incident, Det Sgt Alexander said it was “a clear violation of the victim’s human rights”.

“Everyone has the right to live their life free from the threat of violence,” he said. “There is no justification for this type of attack. Those responsible place not just the victim at risk, but also the wider community.”

He appealed to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw what happened, or who may have any information which may assist the investigation, to contact the PSNI quoting reference number 231 or to anonymously call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.