DETECTIVES are investigating after a man in his late 20s has been shot in both legs in west Belfast.

Police believe dissident republican bully boys carried out the barbaric attack.

The man was found in an alleyway at Iris Court off the Springfield Road at about 8.40 pm on Wednesday evening.

He was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital and is said to be in a stable condition.

Police have appealed for anyone with any information about the attack to contact them.