LISTEN: Man shot in "brutal" murder in north Belfast

By Brett Campbell

A man has been shot dead in north Belfast. 

It happened in the garden of a property on Etna Drive in Ardoyne.  

A large part of the area has been cordoned off by police who have located a burned out car nearby. 

SDLP councillor Paul McCusker is at the scene and says many people in the community will be left traumatised. 

"A man was shot in a garden in this community in broad daylight," he said. 

"It's hard to describe how traumatic this has been for people who were going about their business. 

"My thoughts are with this man's family at an incredibly difficult time.

"Police have locked down a large part of the community where the shooting took place and near a burned-out car nearby.

"I would urge everyone to co-operate with PSNI officers as they investigate.

"I would encourage anyone with information to bring it to the police as soon as possible."

A PSNI spokeswoman said officers remain at the scene and will provide further updates when possible. 

Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly has condemned the murder and appealed for calm.  

"I would appeal for calm at this time in the area and stress that anybody with any information about this horrific incident should bring it immediately to the PSNI," he said.

"Actions like this have no place in our society and I repeat my condemnation of those involved.

"At a time when all frontline statutory agencies and indeed communities are doing what they can to fight against Covid-19, this just adds to the suffering unfortunately being experienced by local people at this time."

Alliance leader and justice minister Naomi Long said the incident had placed additional pressures on the health service already battling with the coronavirus pandemic.

"Those responsible for this appalling crime have left a family grieving and a community in shock," she added.

"There is no place for the gun in our society and it is time to stop these attacks.

"I would urge anyone with information to pass it to the police on the 101 number or to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111."