Man shot in Belfast is named locally

The attack happened in the Distillery Court area this morning, a Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) spokesman said.

A source told the News Letter the attack is being linked to the murder of Jock Davison in the Markets area on May 5, 2015.

Mr McHugh is also believed to come from the Markets area.

A Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) spokesman said: “A male in his twenties was shot three times and he has been taken to the Royal hospital in a serious condition.”

The attack comes as counting of votes from Thursday’s Stormont Assembly election gets under way.

Sinn Fein MP Paul Maskey said: “I absolutely condemn the shooting of a man in the Grosvenor area of West Belfast this morning.

“Those responsible need to be taken off the streets.

“Anyone with any information must bring it forward to the police.”