Man in late teens shot in the leg in Derry attack

Detectives are appealing for information after a reported shooting incident in Derr last night, Wednesday 27th November.

Detective Sergeant Ballentine said: “Shortly after 10.10pm, we received a report that a young man aged in his late teens was being taken to hospital with a suspected gunshot wound.

"He stated that he had been walking to meet a friend in the Creggan area when he was followed by a number of people and shot in his leg. He received serious injuries, which will require surgery."

Detective Sergeant Ballentine continued: "It's appalling that a young person should be attacked in this way.  This deplorable act of violence will have a long-lasting impact on the victim and I know the local community will agree that there is no place in our society for this type of vigilante justice . 

“Our enquiries are at an early stage and we would appeal for anyone with information in relation to this incident to contact us. 

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have been in Springtown Road area of the town, between 9.30pm and 10pm.  If you saw or heard anything suspicious, or have footage which could assist our investigation, please call our detectives can be contacted on 101, quoting reference number 1677 of 27/11/24.”

You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.

Information can be given anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood has said that the shooting of the teenager was a brutal attack that has no place in the city.

Mr Eastwood appealed for anyone with information to bring it to the police.

“This is a shocking attack on a man in his late teens,” the former SDLP leader said. “The people behind this brutal and totally brazen attack clearly didn’t care about the safety of anyone in the area.

“There’s no place for this in the city and no one wants it. These people need to give up and go away.

“I would appeal to anyone who has any information to bring it to the police as soon as possible.”

Sinn Féin councillor Emma McGinley also condemned the shooting.

Cllr McGinley said: “This was an horrendous attack on an 18-year-old man who the PSNI believe was walking to meet a friend in Creggan when he was set upon by a group of people and shot in the leg, sustaining serious injuries.

“There can be no justification for such violence and there can be no place for guns on our streets.

“The local community has also been left shocked by this brutal attack and I would urge anyone with information to bring it forward to the police.”