A man has been shot several times in front of terrified children outside a school in Northern Ireland.

The victim was targeted in a drive-by attack when a gunman opened fire from a passing car in Craigavon.

The shooting took place at about 3pm near St Brendan's Primary School in the Moyraverty area of the Co Armagh town.

Many pupils were leaving for the day, with some understood to have been boarding a nearby bus, when the gunfire rang out.

Police said the victim was in a stable condition in hospital.

Detectives believe a black BMW 525 Sport - reg JIG 8111 - which was found on fire in nearby Deramore Drive may be linked to the shooting.

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Inspector Jon Burrows said: "There are no words to describe the foolhardiness and complete disregard for the safety of the children and parents who were in the area at the time."

Sinn Fein Assembly member for the area John O'Dowd condemned the attack.

"This was a terrifying experience for pupils and staff at the school," he said.

"Those who carried out this shooting showed absolutely no regard for the pupils, their parents, school staff and the wider community."

Police appealed for witnesses to contact them.