Paramilitary-style shootings in west Belfast doubled in 2016

A 26-year-old man was shot in both legs at about 22:00 GMT on Tuesday

The number of paramilitary-style shootings in west Belfast doubled in 2016 compared to the previous year.

The figures do not take into account three shootings that have taken place in Turf Lodge since the start of January.

The latest victim was a 26-year-old who was shot in both legs on Tuesday night.

He was shot in an alley beside a row of shops on the Monagh Road. He is in a stable condition.

The attack is the fourth shooting of its kind in the last month.

• On 12 January, a husband and wife in their 50s were shot in their home on Norglen Parade.

• On 6 January, a 21-year-old man was shot in both legs on Ardmonagh Parade.

• A 16-year-old boy was also shot on 18 December last year.

Police have said it is too early to connect all the attacks, which have taken place within a one-mile radius.

But, they believe violent dissident republicans are responsible for some of the shootings.

Ch Supt Chris Noble said there was an "intention by some people in west Belfast to exercise control"

Ch Supt Chris Noble said those who carry out the attacks have no legitimacy.

"It's a very definite line of inquiry that it (Tuesday's shooting) was by appointment.

"By appointment simply means there has been intimidation of people to turn up. No-one goes to these incidents willingly.

"This is not something we are going to solve by having many more police in the area.

"It's about the community working with police to bring to justice people who are involved in this."

He added that an increase in these sort of attacks in west Belfast is in contrast to a reduction in the rest of the city.

"There has been an increase in west Belfast over the last year, over double the amount of paramilitary-style shootings.

"It's very clear there is an intention by some people in west Belfast to exercise control."