Last night’s shooting of a 29-year-old man in the Shankill area of north Belfast is being treated as attempted murder.
He remains in a critical condition.
Residents say they heard shots last night.
Detective Chief Inspector Natalie McNally said police received a report around 11.15pm (Sunday 21 February) that a man had been shot at the rear of a house in the Hopewell Crescent area.
“A 29-year-old man was brought to hospital for treatment, where he remains in a critical condition. This shooting was a callous, brutal and violent attempt to kill, carried out in a heavily populated residential area,” she said.
A short time later, a burnt-out vehicle was found on Fortwilliam Golf Course near Grays Lane.
“The car, which we suspect may have been used in connection with the shooting, has been recovered for forensic examination.
“We would urge anyone who was in the area of Hopewell Crescent yesterday evening, or who may have any information that could assist us with our inquiries to contact detectives. No matter how small or insignificant you think your information may seem, we would encourage you to come forward to police and not to share it on social media,” said Detective Chief Inspector Natalie McNally.
Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw a dark saloon car leave the area at speed just before 11.15pm.
“We would also to appeal to anyone with CCTV footage in the area, or any drivers with dashcam footage, who have yet to come forward, to call 101 quoting reference number 2006 of 21 /02/21.
“A report can also be submitted via http://www.psni.police.uk/