LISTEN: Young child left "traumatised" after witnessing dad get shot in both ankles in west Belfast

by Q Radio News

A young child has been left "traumatised" after witnessing his father get shot twice in their west Belfast home in a paramilitary style attack last night. 

It happened after three masked men forced their way into the property in the Brooke Drive area at around 10.40pm last night (12th October). 

The occupant, a man in his 40's, was shot in both ankles. 

Police say the victim's son ran to a neighbour's house to raise the alarm and both the PSNI and NIAS were called. 

The NIAS transferred the victim to hospital where he remains this morning to undergo surgery. 

Detective Chief Inspector Dunny Mc Crubbin described it as a "despicable crime" and says no-one has the right to behave in this manner.

Detective Inspector Kerry Brennan said, "We received a report at 10:40pm that three masked men entered a house in the area and shot the male occupant, aged in his forties, in both ankles.

"The man's child ran to a neighbour's house to raise the alarm and police subsequently attended the scene, along with the NIAS who transferred the victim to hospital where he remains this morning to undergo surgery. 

"This was a brutal attack and occurred in the man's home while his young son was present. 

"This young boy was placed in a reprehensible situation and has been left traumatised by the vicious and merciless actions of these thugs who hide behind masks. This is nothing short of emotional and psychological abuse of a child. 

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

Meanwhile, the MP for west Belfast Alex Maskey has hit out at those behind the attack and says his thoughts are with both the man who was shot and his child: