POLICE have blamed dissident republicans for carrying out a double paramilitary style shooting in Derry last night.
The Ambulance Service (NIAS) said it was contacted shortly after 8 pm on Friday evening following reports a man had been shot in the legs and hands in Ballymagroarty.
While at the scene, a paramedic was made aware of another shooting incident a number of streets away in which a second man was injured.
Both men have been taken to the Altnagelvin hospital for treatment.
In a statement the Western Trust said both men were in a stable condition.
An officer wrote on PSNI Foyle’s Facebook page last night: “It depresses me that I’ve got déjà vu writing this.
“Two males were shot in a Paramilitary Style Attack at around 8pm in two separate but nearby locations in Ballymac.
“I’m here now and there are still lots of people out walking their dogs.
“There’s families parking up and walking to the house.
“There’s taxis dropping off fares and teens walking in groups.
“Innocent residents should not have to worry about criminal thugs shooting people outside their homes.
“They shouldn’t be scared to let their kids walk to the shop in case they stumble across this.
“This has to stop.”
Sinn Féin Councillor Eric McGinley condemned the incident.
“There can be no place for the use of guns or gangs of masked men on the streets of our city,” he said.
“All of this is in stark contrast to the good work that is going on in this community.”
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