Man taken to hospital after west Belfast shooting

The incident happened at about 10:32 GMT on Sunday

Pacemaker A white estate car with a taxi sign sits in a car park. There is a police cordon tied to a street sign. A marked police car is parked behind the taxi. There are a variety of trees and patches of grass at the perimeter. Two forensic officers in white body suits examine the taxi. — The incident happened at about 10:32 GMT on Sunday

A man has been taken to hospital after a shooting incident in the Bell Steel Manor area of Dunmurry in west Belfast, police have said.

It is understood the man was driving a taxi at the time of the shooting.

The incident happened at about 10:32 GMT, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said.

Road users are advised the Bell Steel Road, close to the junction of Laurelbank, is currently closed.

It is understood the man was driving a taxi at the time of the shooting

Pacemaker A white estate car with a taxi sign sits in a car park. There is a police cordon tied to a street sign for "Bell Steel Manor". A marked police car is parked behind the taxi. There are a variety of trees and patches of grass at the perimeter. — It is understood the man was driving a taxi at the time of the shooting

Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) despatched a rapid response paramedic and an emergency ambulance crew to the incident.

Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, one patient was taken by ambulance to Royal Victoria Hospital, NIAS said.

‘Disgraceful act of violence’

Forensic teams are examining a white taxi, which has had the window in the driver’s side door smashed

Pacemaker Two people in white forensic suits standing on a street near a police cordon. A Uniformed officer is walking away from the camera. In the background a premises with its shutter down and a bin that says "litter" on it. — Forensic teams are examining a white taxi, which has had the window in the driver’s side door smashed

SDLP councillor Paul Doherty described the incident as a “disgraceful act of violence”.

“There is no place for this kind of violence on our streets and the use of a firearm in this attack is also very concerning,” he said.

“I would urge people to avoid this area while police carry out their investigation and to come forward to police with any information so those behind this shooting can be apprehended and this weapon seized before causing harm to anyone else.”

Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker called it a “reckless attack”

Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker standing on a street infront of police cordons. He is wearing a dark blue shirt. He has short dark hair. — Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker called it a “reckless attack”

Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker condemned the “reckless attack”, adding there is “no justification” for guns on the streets.

“This is an extremely busy area in our community, with many local families and children passing through to visit shops, attend sports training and go about their daily lives,” he said.

“I want to extend my best wishes to the man who has been taken to hospital, and I hope that he fully recovers.

“The community is deeply worried,” Mr Baker said.

“There are a lot of children going to training, and they’re going to come out and see this, its not nice.

“Our community does not want this,” he added.

‘Heinous attack’

In a statement, People Before Profit councillor Michael Collins said he was “shocked and angered to hear of the shooting of a west Belfast taxi driver”.

“There is no support for this kind of violence from any section of the community,” he said.

“These kind of actions destroy families and only serve to drag working-class communities backwards.

“I wish the man who was the victim of this heinous attack a speedy recovery and unreservedly condemn this senseless act of violence.”

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