Man dragged into house and shot by masked men in Ardoyne

by Gráinne Connolly

A man in his 30s has been dragged into a house by masked men and shot in the leg, during a "savage attack" in Ardoyne in north Belfast.

He was walking on Jamaica Road at around 10.40pm last night, where he was approached by two men. 

They directed him to a house in the Ardglen Place area where he was taken inside and shot in the thigh.

Police say a woman and four children were inside the property at the time.

Both suspects left the house and the victim was taken to hospital.

Detective Inspector Andrew George said, ""This was a savage attack carried out by two masked men who showed no regard for the other people who were present in the house, which included a woman and four children under the age of 16. 

"There is no doubt the merciless actions of the thugs responsible will have left them all traumatised. 

“Those who are involved in these attacks do not represent the interests of this community, nor do they contribute anything to it.

"Nothing gives these people the right to violate the human rights of people, and their actions should be condemned by all."

Det Insp George is appealing to anyone with information that could assist enquiries to establish a motive for the "brutal attack".

“The gunman is described as being between 5’9 to 5’ 11’’ tall, aged in his late forties or early fifties and wore black-coloured trousers, black coat and a black peaked hat.

"The second suspect is described as being taller than the other suspect and wore a peaked cap.

“I want to appeal to anyone with any information to pick up the phone and tell us what you know. If you were in the Ardglen Place/Jamaica Road area last night, at around 10:35pm, call our detectives at Musgrave on 101 quoting reference number 1893 15/02/20.
"Information can also be given anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Meanwhile, local Councillor JJ Magee has condemned the shooting.

"This attack is wrong and I condemn it. “There is no place for guns on our streets.

“Anyone with information should bring it forward to the Police.”

(Ardglen Place, Ardoyne - Google maps image)