Calls for end to Derry shootings

Social Democratic and Labour Party Leader Colum Eastwood MP has called for an end to shootings in the Derry area.

Mr Eastwood was speaking after a man was shot in the leg in the Skeoge Road area of the city on Saturday night.

It follows a number of recent similar incidents in the area.

Foyle MP Mr Eastwood said: “News of another shooting in the Derry area is deeply concerning and upsetting for the local community who want to be able to live in peace without their lives being disrupted by this kind of incident.

“These shootings are life changing for the victims and instill fear in the areas where they take place. We need to see a renewed effort to take these weapons out of circulation and to apprehend those behind these attacks.

“This is the latest in a number of shooting incidents in our city and I would appeal to those behind them to stop terrorising local people. This wider area had the highest number of shootings in the North last year and that has to change.

"The SDLP will keep working to build a city that represents the best of what we have to offer and where people can live safely without worrying about this kind of violence on their streets.”

Derry City and Strabane District councillor Shanu Harkin also condemned the overnight shooting.

The People Before Profit Councillor Shaun Harkin said: "The shooting of a man last night in the Skeoge area of the city is an unjustifiable act of barbarity that does nothing to empower working class communities.

"We had fifty years and more of these types of attacks and they have achieved nothing. 

"There is no less crime, drug use or anti-social behaviour as a result of these actions."

Cllr Harkin continued: "At a time when people are struggling as never before, we are seeing an unprecedented coming together of communities to challenge the brutal austerity imposed on us.

"Working class unity in this town can bring real change. 

"When it comes to addressing the real issues of poverty, despair and working class exclusion these types of actions are of no help. 

"We need to build better futures and give people economic justice in order to tackle the scourge of addiction and anti-social behaviour.

"All our energy needs to be directed at those propping-up a rotten status quo that's intent on wrecking public services, further driving down living standards, denying people a home and who have caused so much hardship for so many households."

PSNI enquiries are continuing at this time and anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference 1924 of 11/02/23.