Forensci officer at the scene of shooting in west Belfast on Thursday

DETECTIVES are investigating after a shot was fired at a man in a house in west Belfast.

The attack has been condemned by the SDLP and Sinn Fein who have called for an end to such shootings.

Two men entered a house around 9.30am on Thursday morning at Avoca Close in the Turf Lodge area and fired a shot at the male occupant.

The male cheated injury and the gunmen fled in the direction of the Upper Springfield Road.

Sinn Féin MP for west Belfast Paul Maskey said the man had a “lucky escape”.

“The question has to be posed to those who carried out this attack, why have they done it?

“They should come forward and tell the people of this area why they are bringing weapons out in this particular area.”

He added: “People in this area want to live in peace and they’re asking and wondering why this attack happened.”

SDLP Cllr Tim Attwood said the family and local residents were left shocked by the shooting.

“This is a very serious incident which has had a devastating impact on the family in this community,” said Cllr Attwood

“This community and the communities across west Belfast want the guns off our streets, and those involved in that type of activity taken off our streets.”

“It’s left the family very devastated and the community are very shocked by it.”

Detectives have issued descriptions of the two men being hunted over the gun attack.

The first intruder is described as around 40 years old and wearing a baseball cap, cream coat and dark jeans. It is believed he was carrying a brown bag containing a shotgun.

The second male is described as being of heavy build and wearing dark jeans, dark blue T shirt and dark shaved hair.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information is asked to contact detectivs at Grosvenor Road CID on 0845 600 8000.

Alternatively information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.