Loyalists blamed for gun attack

Six shots were fired through the victim's window

Loyalist paramilitaries have been blamed for a gun attack in east Belfast.

A man is recovering in hospital after being shot in the incident which happened at Hyndford Street, in the Beersbridge Road area, at 2220 BST on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old was sitting in the living room of his house when six shots were fired through the window.

He was struck on the shoulder and side. When the police arrived at the scene, he was conscious and able to talk.

George Millar: Attack was attempted murder

The injured man was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, where his condition is being described as ill but satisfactory.

Police detective inspector George Millar said police were treating the attack as attempted murder and blamed loyalist paramilitaries.

"From the number of shots that were fired here last night it's quite clear it was a deliberate attempt to murder this man," he said

"The family of this man have been in contact with us to point out that their son does not have any connection with any paramilitary organisation whatsoever.

"His shooting has nothing to do with the current feud (between loyalist paramilitaries) in east Belfast."

A blue Vauxhall car, believed to have been used by the attacker, was later found burnt out in nearby Foxglove Street.

The man's neighbour heard the shots but thought they were fireworks.

"Then I looked out and saw the ambulances and the police coming so I ran out then," she said.

The woman, who did not want to be identified, said she saw her neighbour's window broken and called the paramedics over to the house.

"Then I saw him coming limping up the hallway. He was very scared and didn't seem to know where he was."

East Belfast DUP councillor Robin Newton, who visited the scene of the attack, said it had generated a "lot of fear in the community".