LAST UPDATE | 22 Feb 2021

POLICE INVESTIGATING THE shooting of a man in his 20s in north Belfast last night are treating the incident as attempted murder. 

The alarm was raised at around 11.15pm with reports that a man had been shot in the Hopewell Crescent area of the city. 

The PSNI attended along with members from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. 

A 29-year-old man was take to hospital for treatments for his injuries, where he remains in critical condition. 

A short time later, police received a report that a burnt-out vehicle had been found on Fortwilliam Golf Course near Grays Lane. 

The car, which police suspect may have been used in connection with the shooting, has been recovered for forensic examination. 

“This shooting was a callous, brutal and violent attempt to kill, carried out in a heavily populated residential area,” PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Natalie McNally said. 

“We would urge anyone who was in the area of Hopewell Crescent yesterday evening, or who may have any information that could assist us with our inquiries, to contact detectives,” McNally said. 

“No matter how small or insignificant you think your information may seem, we would encourage you to come forward to police and not to share it on social media,” she said. 

Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw a dark coloured saloon car leave the area at speed just before 11.15pm.

They are also appealing to anyone with CCTV footage in the area, or any drivers with dashcam footage, who have yet to come forward, to call 101 quoting reference number 2006 of 21/02/21. 

A report can also be submitted online here or information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

With reporting by Sean Murray