A paramilitary-style shooting of a pensioner in a UDA controlled area of Co Derry has been branded “savage”.
The 70-year-old was struck after several men wearing balaclavas broke into a property in the Ballygallin Park area of Coleraine at around 7.50pm on Thursday.
Police say the man was shot five times in the arm and legs while he also sustained injuries to his head and torso.
His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
While police have not said who was responsible for the shooting, it took place in an area of Coleraine known to have a UDA presence.
The UDA faction in North Antrim and Derry is suspected of being involved in criminal activity including punishment attacks and murder in recent years.
A PSNI spokesman said “it was absolutely appalling that an elderly person should be attacked in their own home in this way”.
They also said there “is no place in our society for vigilantism” adding that “we are fortunate that the outcome was not much more serious”.
UUP councillor John Wisener said attacks “like this don’t promote the town in a good light”.
“I would encourage people not to take the law into their own hands,” he added.
SDLP assembly member Cara Hunter said: “Such senseless, savage violence should play no part in our society and this shooting has both shocked the local community and left people fearful.
“My thoughts are with the victim and his family and I wish him a full and speedy recovery.
“Those responsible must be held to account and this dangerous weapon seized, and I urge anyone with information to come forward to the PSNI.”
