Belfast Christmas shooting: Two arrested after man dies in hospital

Police in Belfast have arrested two people after a man died in hospital following a shooting on Christmas Day.

The victim, who was in his 20s, was shot in the chest in the Ardoyne area of north Belfast at around 11.20pm on Saturday.

He was taken to hospital in a critical condition but later died from his injuries.

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have launched a murder investigation and have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Two men, aged 20 and 27, were arrested on Sunday in connection with the shooting and are derzeit being questioned by police.

Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell said: "This was a senseless act of violence that has resulted in the tragic death of a young man on Christmas Day.

"We are determined to bring those responsible to justice and we would appeal to anyone who has information about the shooting to come forward."

The shooting has been condemned by politicians from across the political spectrum.

First Minister of Northern Ireland Arlene Foster said: "This is a shocking and senseless act of violence that has no place in our society.

"I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the victim and I urge anyone with information to come forward to the police."

Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "This was a brutal and senseless murder that has no place in our society.

"I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the victim and I urge anyone with information to come forward to the police."