Police at the scene of a shooting in Londonderry.

Police have described two paramilitary-style shootings in Londonderry on Friday night as "brutal and vicious" attacks that will leave their victims with "physical and psychological scars".

The two attacks happened within ten minutes of each other and less than 100 metres apart in the Ballymagroarty area of the city.

At around 8.10pm a 24-year-old man was shot in the knee in a grassed area near Corrib Court.

While paramedics were treating the first victim at the scene, a 32-year-old man was shot once in the leg close to the nearby O'Casey Court just after 8.20pm.

Two men were injured in separate paramilitary-style shootings in Ballymagroarty area of #Derry tonight.

The men, believed to be in their 30s were shot at OâCasey Court & Corrie Court shortly after 8pm.

They have been taken to hospital, injuries not thought to be life threatening. pic.twitter.com/RY6QJ1BzD2 — Leona O'Neill (@LeonaONeill1) February 1, 2019

Both men were taken to Altnagelvin Hospital for treatment to their injuries.

"We are treating both incidents as paramilitary–style attacks; attacks that were brutal and vicious and will leave these two men with both physical and psychological scars," Detective Sergeant Michelle Boyd said.

"These attacks are yet again more examples of how criminal groups seek to control communities through fear and violence.

"We would appeal to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the Ballymagroarty area before the attacks last night to get in touch with detectives.

Tonight I have spoken with senior PSNI officers who have confirmed that two men have been shot in Ballymagroarty this evening .



The PSNI are responsible for law and order in our country. There can be no justification for guns or violence on our streets. — Gary Middleton MLA (@Gary_Middleton) February 1, 2019

"We want to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice, so if you have any information that could help our investigation, please contact us on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1186 of 1/2/19."

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said the shootings would have been a frightening experience for the local community going about their business on a Friday night.

"Violence does nothing but lead to more victims and create more violence," the SDLP MLA said.

Mr Durkan said that "nothing can be achieved" by such violence.

Belfast Telegraph