Gunmen ‘intent on misery and mayhem’ in Derry - Mullan MLA

The Foyle MLA was commenting after a number of recent incidents in the city including gun attacks which injured two people in Creggan and reports of shots being fired by masked men in Ballymagroarty.

“The people behind this activity have absolutely nothing to offer but misery and mayhem,” Karen Mullan said.

“At a time when our communities are already dealing with the trauma of a global pandemic and our health services are stretched to the limit, these people decide to bring guns onto the street.

“There is no justification for this activity and it is certainly not wanted by the wider community.

“These people are reckless. They clearly don’t care about the impact of their actions on those living and rearing families in this city and are only intent on serving their own interests.

“It is long past time that they got off the backs of the community and brought an end to the ongoing fear and suffering that they are causing.”

It is understood police are investigating after a video was circulated on social media which showed a masked individual letting off a volley of shots.

Meanwhile the shooting of two men in spearate incidents in Creggan over recent days widespread condemnation.

The latest shooting took place in Creggan Heights just before 7.45 p.m. on Friday. The victim was taken to hospital for treatment for injuries that are not life-threatening but could be life-changing, police said. A vehicle was torched at the scene requiring the fire service to attend.

Detective Sergeant Gavin McLaughlin said: “We have launched an investigation and while keeping an open mind this barbaric shooting in a residential area bears all the hallmarks of a paramilitary style assault. Those responsible for this criminal act do not represent the community, nor do they contribute anything to it. They do it to try to exercise influence or gain control of those they claim to represent.

“I am appealing for anyone with information to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1634 08/01/21”

The attack came 48 hours after a man in his 30s was shot in the leg in Southway.

Foyle SDLP MP Colum Eastwood said: “The people of Derry do not want this in our community. Those responsible must stop terrorising our community immediately.”

Ms. Mullan was equally scathing: “There is no place for guns or this type of activity on our streets. Our hospitals are under severe pressure and people are dying as a result of the pandemic, it’s the last thing that the people of Derry want to see.”

DUP MLA Gary Middleton added his condemnation. “We need to rid our society of this violence,” he said.

UUP Alderman Guy said: “We have witnessed another savage attack in Creggan. The second in as many days. These wasters who feel they have the authority to act as judge, jury and executioner do nothing but spread fear amongst their own communities.”

Meanwhile, a suspicious object discovered in the Racecourse Road at around 2am yesterday was declared an elaborate hoax by ATO and the PSNI.

The hijacking of a vehicle by a masked gang on Sunday night may have been linked to the alert, police said yesterday.

A report was made at 9.30pm that a silver-coloured Mitsubishi Outlander on Ballyarnett Road was hijacked by four masked men. It was later burnt out in the Racecourse Road area.

Detective Inspector Finlay said: “I would appeal to anyone who has information about either incident to call us. In particular, I am appealing to anyone who was in the Cornshell Fields area at around 9:30pm and witnessed the incident or, who saw the vehicle being driven away, to get in touch with us. I would also appeal to anyone who may have been on Racecourse Road and saw the vehicle there to call our detectives at Strand Road on 101, quoting ref. no. 1379 of 10/01/21.”