West Belfast shooting ‘brutal and shameful’

Police at the scene of the gun attack in west Belfast. Credit: UTV

Police are at the scene of a shooting in west Belfast, where it is understood a man has been killed.

While officers have not released any details at this time, Sinn Féin MP for the area Paul Maskey said a local man had been shot dead in the St James’s area, off the Donegall Road, on Saturday.

“My thoughts are with the family of the man was has been killed,” he said.

“No family should have to go through this heartache.

“Those involved in this act have absolutely no place in our community - they must cease their anti-community activities and get off the back of the people of west Belfast.”

Mr Maskey added: “Those responsible must be held accountable before the courts.

“A police operation is ongoing in the St James’s area and I would appeal to anyone with information on this shooting to bring it forward to the PSNI.”

It is understood the victim had significant links to dissident republicans and was known to the PSNI.