Loyalist Geordie Gilmore dies from injuries sustained in shooting

By Maria McCann

A man has died from his injuries sustained in a shooting in Carrickfergus.

Geordie Gilmore was targeted as he sat in a car in the Pinewood Avenue area of the town yesterday.

Local politicians are linking it to a loyalist feud and there are now fears of more trouble.

The incident came less than 24 hours after the 44-year old-posted on facebook - The days of the uda putting people out of Carrick are over....

Police have now launched a murder investigation.

Head of Serious Crime Branch Detective Chief Superintendent Raymond Murray said: “Our thoughts are with the Gilmore family at this time as they come to terms with their loss.

“We are still at an early stage of the investigation, which is now a murder investigation, and while we have definite lines of enquiry I would appeal to local people to help us identify the person or persons who orchestrated and carried out this ruthless attack in broad daylight.

“Those involved had no consideration for the local community when they carried out their attack in a residential street populated with families, young children and older people. Help us remove them from your community and place them before the courts.
 

“I would urge anyone with information or who believes they can assist the investigation in any way to please come forward. You can call police on 101 or if you would prefer to provide you information anonymously you can by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

The murder has been condemned by local politicians.

Roy Beggs MLA said: “These vicious attacks are shocking reminders that there are still people in our society who are prepared to use extreme violence to exert control in parts of the community.

“The events in and around Carrickfergus over the past few days have been horrendous. Action needs to be taken to bring a degree of security to the entire community. I support a strong security response by the PSNI to ensure guns are found and removed, so that no one else is caught up in the cross fire of a bloody feud which has gone on for far too long.”

John Stewart MLA said: “The events of the last 48 hours are truly shocking. Guns on the street and extreme violence being used is something which demands a strong and resolute response – not just from the police, but by the wider community. The vast majority of the people of Carrickfergus are sickened by the continued existence and activities of those who describe themselves as loyalist paramilitaries. The worry is that innocent people could be harmed if this feud continues to escalate.

“I would plead for everyone to turn their backs once and for all on paramilitaries of whatever type and faction. The only way to end the violence is to give unqualified support and assistance to the legitimate forces of law and order - the PSNI.