Shooting 'could have been murder'

The incident happened in the bookmakers' in Meenan Square

A 35-year-old man shot in both legs in a bookmakers' shop in Londonderry could have died, a councillor has said.

Two masked men armed with shotguns entered the premises at Meenan Square at about 2100 GMT and told everyone to lie on the floor.

John Tierney of the SDLP, who knows the family, said it could have been murder.

"Not so long ago there was a shooting and a young man lost his life, young Emmett Shiels. It could have been similar last night," he said.

The victim was treated in hospital but his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

The gunmen hijacked a silver Vauxhall Vectra in Dove Gardens. It was later found on fire in Creggan Heights.

John Tierney said he spoke to the family shortly after the incident.

"The mother was very distressed.

"At one point we thought we might have to get a doctor to her," he said.

Mr Tierney added: "The reaction in the Bogside is one of condemnation.

"People are saying they thought this was a thing of the past."

Sinn Fein assembly member Raymond McCartney said local people were horrified by the shooting.

"Like most people who live in Derry, my reaction is one of condemnation.

"These people do not represent anybody.

"These days are gone, and we do not want these people on our streets carrying out these types of shooting," he said.