PSNI officer hurt in drive-by shooting in North Belfast
It happened at a filling station on the Crumlin Road
A police officer has been shot in North Belfast this evening.
It happened at a filling station on the Crumlin Road shortly after 7pm.
It is believed he was shot in the arm in a drive-by shooting. Reports from the scene suggest his injuries are not life-threatening.
The PSNI has not yet commented on the incident close to Tennent Street.
There is a significant police presence in the area around a Maxol petrol station just north of the filling station and opposite the Ardoyne district.
A number of sources are claiming a car sped off along the Crumlin Road in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
It is thought the injured officer was able to call in the incident himself.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Brian Kingston, said the incident was “despicable”.
He added: “I’m appalled to hear of a shooting incident on Crumlin Road this evening.
“Details to be confirmed. Despicable.”
North Belfast MP, Nigel Dodds, added his condemnation on Twitter. He wrote:
Police officer injured in shooting in North Belfast Crumlin Road area. Despicable act of terrorism.
— Nigel Dodds (@NigelDoddsDUP) January 22, 2017
Ulster Unionist representative Andy Allen said: “Disgusted to learn that a police officer has been injured in a shooting on the Crumlin Rd, Belfast this evening.
“My thoughts are with the officer and his family at this time.
“There can be no justification whatsoever for bringing guns onto our streets and I would urge anyone who may have witnessed anything to contact the PSNI on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .”
His leader Mike Nesbitt said: “We must find a way to end this.”
