Police condemn 'vicious' assault

The man was dragged onto grass and shot

An attack on a 41-year-old man in Londonderry has been described by police as a "vicious act of staggering brutality".

The man was treated in hospital for gunshot wounds to both ankles and both wrists following the assault in the Brandywell Avenue area of the city.

Four masked men took the victim from his home at about 2200 BST on Sunday and dragged him across a road to a patch of grass.

He was held down before being shot four times in the wrists and ankles.

The man was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry where his condition is described as stable.

A PSNI spokesman said the victim would probably be left maimed for the rest of his life.

The police are trying to establish a motive for the attack.

Detectives are appealing for anyone with information to contact them at Strand Road.