Derry shooting: 'This violence has no justification'

Detectives from Strand Road in Derry investigating a shooting in the city last night, Monday, 23rd January, are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact them. 

A man, aged in his thirties, was shot in the lower leg shortly after 9pm in a wooded area, close to commercial premises on Whitehouse Road and at the junction of Coshquin Road. 

A lone and masked gunman is reported to have shot the victim once in the leg. The victim was taken to hospital by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. He remains in hospital this morning. 

Police remain in the area where a cordon is in place at the junction of Coshquin Road and Whitehouse Road. 

Detective Inspector Lavery from Strand Road Criminal Investigation Branch said: "Our investigation is at an early stage and we are specifically appealing for anyone who was in this area at around 9.00pm and who saw anything suspicious, or out of the ordinary, to get in touch.

"We're also keen to hear from drivers with dashcam who were in the area at this time to check their footage and see if they've captured the gunman."

Detective Inspector Lavery added: "The shooting we witnessed last night is a clear human rights abuse and the injuries inflicted on the victim are a stark violation of people’s basic human rights.

"This attack will leave physical and mental scars and trauma that may never heal. No good comes from this – ever. 

“These attacks are not only placing the victims at risk, but also the local community. People should feel safe in their own homes. No-one has the right to take that away from anyone. 

"This violence has no justification and paramedics, nurses, doctors and all other NHS and care workers need to be allowed to focus all their efforts on treating and saving people who need help."

The Chair of the Derry and Strabane Policing and Community Safety Partnership Alderman Darren Guy has condemned last night’s shooting at Whitehouse Road. 

"These ongoing attacks are totally unacceptable in our society and must be condemned by all of us," he said.

Eastwood condemns Derry shooting

'Our communities do not need this intimidation and the threat of violence hanging over them'

"The people of this city are sick and tired at these continued incidents. There can be absolutely no justification for this attack that happened at 21.30 last night in a built up residential area.

"It is clear that those responsible have absolutely no concern for people living in the Coshquin area nor do they represent the interests of the people living there. My thoughts are with the victim and the people living in the area who have had to endure this horrific attack.

"I would urge anyone with information on this attack to contact the PSNI or Crimestoppers immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference 2026 of 23/01/23. Information can also be given anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org