'Reckless' Belfast shooting condemned

The shooting of two men in Belfast last night near dozens of onlookers has been condemned as reckless and callous.

The men who were injured in the attack at around 7.30pm in the Oldpark Road area of the city are in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

It is believed the gunman fired up to 10 shots at a 24-year-old man standing beside a Seat Toledo car.

A 22-year-old man sitting inside the car at the time also sustained gunshot wounds.

PSNI North Belfast Area Commander Chief Inspector Andy Freeburn said women and children were nearby at the time of the incident.

"This was an utterly reckless attack with up to 40 members of the public, including women and children, in close proximity," he said. "Two people have been very seriously injured but we are lucky that we are not dealing with many more casualties today."

Chief Inspector Freeburn said the attack was "unacceptable" and no one had the right to put the safety of so many people at risk.

He said the PSNI would do "everything we can" to find those responsible and bring them before the courts.

"The help of the local community is vital in helping us create a clear picture of this attack and we would ask for their support as we conduct our enquiries.

"I would appeal to anyone with information to contact detectives in North Belfast on 0845 600 8000."

PA