A man was shot in both legs in a house in west Belfast by two masked men last night in front of a child.
The shooting happened at the property in the Hazel Glen area just before 8pm.
The two masked men forced their way into the property and fired a number of shots at the man in the hallway.
He remains in hospital this morning where he’s being treated for his injuries.
Detective Inspector O’Flaherty said this was a merciless attack which was carried out by thugs and which has left the victim with significant injuries.
“It has also left a young child and the woman who were in the house, and who heard this brutal attack being carried out, extremely traumatised.
“Those who are involved in these attacks do not represent the interests of this community, nor do they contribute anything to it. They do it to try and exert influence, or gain control of those they claim to represent.
“No one has the right to violate the rights of others,” he said.
Police are also investigating a possible link with a report of a burnt out Audi A3, that was found at McKinstry Road.
“We are working to establish a motive for this horrific attack and appeal to anyone who was in the Hazel Glen area between 7:40pm and 8pm and who saw or heard anything suspicious to get in touch with us. I would also ask anyone who knows anything about the Audi A3 car that was found burnt out to call our detectives at Musgrave on 101, and quote reference number 1590 09/12/20.
:You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/,” added Detective Inspector O’Flaherty.