Man shot in leg ‘deeply concerning’, SDLP leader says

The shooting of a man in the leg has been called “deeply concerning” by the leader of the SDLP.

A man aged in his 40s was shot in the lower leg shortly after 10.20pm on Saturday in the Skeoge Road area and was taken to hospital for treatment.

The victim is reported to have been approached from behind before he was shot once.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood called for an end to shootings following a number of recent similar incidents in the city.

“News of another shooting in the Derry area is deeply concerning and upsetting for the local community who want to be able to live in peace without their lives being disrupted by this kind of incident,” the Foyle MP said.

“These shootings are life changing for the victims and instil fear in the areas where they take place. We need to see a renewed effort to take these weapons out of circulation and to apprehend those behind these attacks.

“This is the latest in a number of shooting incidents in our city and I would appeal to those behind them to stop terrorising local people. This wider area had the highest number of shootings in the North last year and that has to change.

“The SDLP will keep working to build a city that represents the best of what we have to offer and where people can live safely without worrying about this kind of violence on their streets.”

The PSNI has issued an appeal for witnesses to the incident to contact them, quoting reference 1924 of 11/02/23, or to contact the independent charity Crimestoppers.

“Our investigation is at an early stage and we are specifically appealing for anyone who was in the area between 10.00pm and 10.30pm who may have seen anything suspicious to get in touch,” Detective Inspector Finlay said.

“We’re also keen to hear from drivers with dashcam who were in the area at this time.

“The injuries inflicted on the victim are a stark violation of his basic human rights. There is no justification for this type of violence. Attacks like these not only place the victim at risk, but also the local community.”