Second 'barbaric' paramilitary shooting in two days draws condemnation in Derry

The shooting - the second in two days - took place outside a house in Creggan Heights just before 7.45 p.m.

He has been taken to hospital for treatment to 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, or submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://psni.police.uk/makeareport/.

"You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/."

Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has tonight condemned the shooting.

She said: “I condemn the shooting of a man in the Creggan Heights area tonight.

“There is no place for guns or this type of activity on our streets."

Man hospitalised after being shot in 'barbaric' paramilitary style attack, say Derry police

“This is the second shooting this week and at a time when 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.

“Anyone with information on this attack should bring it forward to the police.”

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said: "Tonight’s shooting in Creggan marks the second attack on the community since Wednesday night.”

“Yesterday we heard the pleas of people of Creggan to those responsible to put a stop to this violence. The people of Derry do not want this in our community.

“Those responsible must stop terrorizing our community immediately.”

DUP MLA Gary Middleton said: "Another shooting in the Creggan area tonight. The second within 48 hours. Our communities must never become desensitised to these barbaric acts.

"We need to rid our society of this violence. I urge anyone with information to bring it forward to the PSNI."