Punishment shooting 'thugs' denounced

Suspected dissident republicans behind two punishment shootings in Northern Ireland were today denounced as vigilante thugs.

Suspected dissident republicans behind two punishment shootings in Northern Ireland were today denounced as vigilante thugs.

Nationalist SDLP leader Mark Durkan also hit out at youths who showered police with missiles, fireworks and a petrol bomb as they tried to help the victims in Derry's Creggan estate.

Two men were injured during the paramilitary-style shootings in an alleyway at around 6.30pm yesterday and were taken to hospital where their condition was described as stable.

Mr Durkan, MP and MLA for the area, condemned the attacks. "No-one has the right to set up kangaroo courts and dispense their own style of vigilante justice in this way," he said.

"These people are not wanted and just because they think they can get away it does not mean there is any support for their actions.

"People here have known violence in the past and are glad to have moved away from it. No-one wants us to be plunged back."

The SDLP leader also insisted attacks on the police as they try to provide help will not be tolerated.

He added: "I have no doubt the local community will remain resolute and ultimately those intent on bringing these acts of terror to our streets will not succeed."