THE PSNI IS appealing for information after a man was shot in both legs this evening in north Belfast.

Just before 8pm, PSNI officers were informed by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service that its members were attending to a man with gunshot wounds in the Strathroy Park area of the city.

The man, in his late 30s, was shot once in each leg and taken to hospital for treatment.

His injuries are believed to be non-life threatening but a PSNI spokesperson said they are “severe and will no doubt leave him with lasting physical and emotional trauma”.

Officers remain at the scene and the PSNI said local residents will notice a heavy police presence in the area.

The PSNI said the attack has caused “fear and disruption in the very community those responsible for this criminal act claim to protect”.

The PSNI added that there is “no justification for this violence” and appealed for any witnesses to make contact.

Officers are also interested in hearing from anyone who may have dash-cam, CCTV or other footage of the area.

A report can also be made online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or anonymously via Crimestoppers at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Local SDLP councillor Carl Whyte said the incident “will have caused much concern and upset in the local community and left the victim with potentially serious injuries”.

He added: “The days of gunmen roaming our streets must be consigned to the past. There can be no justification for the use of barbaric violence of this nature.”

Whyte said it is “deeply concerning that those behind this attack are in possession of a deadly weapon” and added that “it must be seized and taken out of circulation before anyone else is hurt”.

He appealed for anyone who may have information to come forward to the police.