‘Horrific’ shooting scene in west Belfast
A councillor in west Belfast who administered first aid to the victim of a shooting has described it as “the most horrific scene I ever witnessed”.
Masked men broke into a house in Hawthorn Street at around 9.15pm on Tuesday, shooting a man up to eight times in the legs and arms.
The 45-year-old was taken to hospital for treatment on his injuries, which are not thought to be life-threatening.
Neighbours heard the screams of the victim’s partner and rushed to help.
Police are treating this as a punishment style attack.
SDLP representative Colin Keenan, who lives in the area, was at the scene shortly after the attack happened and was able to give medical assistance to the victim.
“I went into the house to find the most horrific scene I have ever witnessed,” Mr Keenan told UTV.
“It was clear the man had been shot a number of times and was losing a significant amount of blood so I administered first aid.”
He explained that he, along with others, used belts, cloths and towels to apply pressure to the victim’s wounds.
The Lower Falls councillor added that it was a sight he would not wish anyone to see.
At one point, Mr Keenan said the man asked them: “Lads, are you sure I’m not going to die?” to which a neighbour replied: “Not on my watch.”
“Our efforts thankfully helped keep the guy stable until the ambulance arrived 15 minutes later.”
Mr Keenan has condemned those involved in the shooting as “vicious thugs” and said there is no place in the community for this kind of attack.
He added: “They came into this community, shot a man and left him for dead while we had to look into his eyes and reassure him that he’d survive.”
Police have asked anyone with further information on the shooting to come forward.
