Four men have been arrested by detectives investigating a paramilitary style shooting at Westrock Park in west Belfast last night (Friday).
The arrests follow a report last night that a 20-year-old man had been found in an alleyway with a gunshot wound to both legs at around 8:30pm.
He remains in hospital with what has been described as potentially life changing injuries.
Detective Inspector Barry Hamilton said a number of searches under the Terrorism Act were carried out this morning in the Clonfadden Crescent, Iris Street, Albert Street and Whiterock Crescent areas.
Items, including electronic devices were seized and have been taken away for further examination.
“Four men, aged 33, 48 and two aged 39, were arrested under the Terrorism Act and are currently in custody assisting us with our enquiries.
“This was a vicious and brutal shooting in an area where families live. To shoot this man in an area where anyone could have been passing shows the contempt they have for people in their community. The bullets could have strayed at any moment and hit someone passing by.
“This is appalling and needs to stop,” he said.
Police are appealing to anyone with any information to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 1301 8/3/19. Alternatively information can also be provided by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.