Man shot in Derry Londonderry

By Adam Evans

A man's been left in hospital with gunshot wounds to both his knees after he was shot in Derry Londonderry.

Officers were called to a property on Cromore Gardens between 10 and 11pm last night.

The PSNI says the attack has violated the Christmas excitement and innocence of young children.

Police are responding to reports of shooting incident at residential premises at Cromore Gardens, Derry/Londonderry this evening.  Man has attended hospital with gunshot wounds to both knees.  Any info to 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 - ref 1463 21/12/18.#Endingtheharm

— PSNI DC&S District (@PSNIDCSDistrict) December 21, 2018

Detective Inspector Bob Blemmings said: "This is the time of year for carefree celebration, a time for family and children.  Yet here we are with another person in hospital getting ready to go into surgery as a result of the actions of mindless thugs.

"It is absolutely abhorrent that anyone would go into  a busy built up residential area comprising of young families and elderly people with a loaded firearm.  The recklessness shown by those involved in carrying out this attack should be condemned.  The harm has to end.

"Tonight the excitement and innocence of young children has been violated by those who carried out this shooting.  Instead of Christmas bells ringing in their ears they have the sound of gunshots.  No child should ever have to live like this.

"I would appeal to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the Cromore Gardens area this evening around 8pm to contact detectives at Strand Road on the non-emergency number 101 quoting reference 1463 21/12/18.  Alternatively information can also be provided to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime".