Teen shot over drugs says mother

27 April 2012 Last updated at 07:54 ET

The mother of an 18-year-old shot in Londonderry has said she believes he was targeted because he was a drug user.

The teenager was shot in both legs at Rinmore Drive in Creggan shortly after 22:00 BST on Thursday. He was treated in hospital before being discharged.

His mother was told to take him to the location, and waited at the top of a lane while he was shot twice.

"I know what happened was wrong but hopefully he'll get help," she said.

The dissident group Republican Action Against Drugs (RAAD) is suspected to have been behind the attack, which been condemned by politicians and police.

The woman said she believed he was targeted "because he was dealing in drugs to feed his habit".

I just did what had to be done

"It should never have come to this, he shouldn't have been doing what he was doing," she said.

"I don't agree with drug dealing and hopefully we can work from here to get him the help he needs."

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Teen shot over drugs says mother