Man in 20s shot dead in Poleglass attack

Q Radio News

A man shot dead in West Belfast has been named locally as Raymond Johnston.

He was aged in his late 20s and was gunned down in Poleglass around 8pm on Tuesday night.

He was targeted at a house in Glenbawn Avenue.

An 11-year-old girl as well as the man's partner were reportedly in the room at the time.

Detective Chief Inspector Peter Montgomery said: "The male victim, who was in his late 20s, died after being shot just before 8pm.

"At this time we are working to establish a motive for the attack and are appealing for anyone with information which may assist us with our inquiries to contact us."

Neighbour, mother-of-six Elizabeth Brown, was first to arrive at the scene of the shooting. 

She's told Q Radio News desperate efforts were made to save the dying man...

Poleglass shooting: neighbour Elizabeth Brown says man killed in front of young child. We'll have latest on air am. pic.twitter.com/uHZ8SzmYHV

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) February 13, 2018

SDLP councillor Tim Attwood also spoke with people in the area.

Councillor Stephen Magennis said the local community was outraged by the attack.

"This community is stunned and outraged at this latest brutal killing," said the Sinn Fein representative.

"I have spoken to some of the victim's family and friends and they are obviously devastated and in a state of shock.

"There can be absolutely no justification for this murder which was carried out in the most brutal fashion.

"The people carrying out these attacks are bringing nothing but death and destruction. They need to be condemned and should get off the backs of this community.

"I would appeal to anyone who has any information about this attack to bring it to the PSNI."

SDLP councillor Brian Heading said: "The entire community in West Belfast is in shock this evening. These are scenes that we thought we had left far behind us.

"Those responsible for this monstrous criminal act must be caught and they must be brought to justice. There is no room in this city or in this society for those intent on murder and mayhem and who will commit the most heinous crimes.

"I'm calling on anyone with information to please come forward to police. These thugs cannot be allowed to bully this strong community into silence. They cannot dominate us, we cannot let them."

Alliance Party leader Naomi Long tweeted: "Shocking murder in West Belfast this evening. My thoughts are with the victim's family at this time.

"I would appeal for anyone with any information to contact the PSNI. Whilst those responsible are free on our streets, the community is not safe."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.