DETECTIVES investigating the report of a paramilitary style attack in west Belfast last night are appealing for witnesses and information.

Detective Sergeant Armstrong said: “We received a report around 8:05 pm from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service that a man had been shot in both legs in the Ardmonagh Parade area.

“The man was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment of the injuries to his lower legs that resulted from the shooting, which is believed to have occurred around 7:55 pm.

“This was a vicious and brutal attack at a time in the evening when families were going about their business.

“The very fact that whoever pulled the trigger thought it was acceptable to recklessly shoot this man in a built-up area where children and teenagers could be passing by shows the contempt they have for their community.

“The bullets could have strayed at any moment and hit someone passing by.

“This is utterly appalling and needs to stop.

“Anyone who witnessed this shooting would have been petrified, including the victim himself.

“This is not what we want in our communities.

“There is absolutely no justification for an attack like this in our communities, and we must all work together to bring those responsible to justice and to stop this from happening to anyone else.

“If you were in the area of Ardmonagh Parade or Norglen Parade last night, or if you know anything about this incident which could assist us with our investigation please, pick up the phone and call detectives at Musgrave on 101 and quote reference number 1162 of 23/03/19.”

Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.