A murder enquiry is underway after a man in his 20s was shot dead in St Katharine’s Road in West Belfast just before 1pm today.
The man was shot a number of times and was later pronounced dead at hospital.
Detective Chief Inspector Darren McCartney said the man was chased from the junction of Rodney Parade and St James’s Road along Rodney Parade by two masked gunmen before he was shot a number of times at close range in St Katharine’s Road.
“This was a brutal murder and the brazen recklessness of the killers completely beggars belief.
“They did not give any thought to the risk posed to local people in this community who were going about their business at lunchtime when they ran through the streets firing shots. Nor did they care who may have been collateral damage in this highly populated residential area during their mission to kill,” he said.
Detective Chief Inspector Darren McCartney said his thoughts are very much with the family who are tonight in a state of shock and grieving for their loved one.
“No family should ever have to go through this heartbreak.
“It is too early to speculate on the motive for this callous murder and over coming days I will be working to piece together all the information and evidence,” he said.
And Detective Chief Inspector Darren McCartney is appealing for information.
“I know the community is in shock but I would appeal to anyone who has information about this appalling murder to bring that forward to the police so that we can remove these dangerous gunmen from the streets.
“I would like to hear from anyone who saw the victim being chased by the two gunmen in the Rodney Drive, St James’s Road, Rodney Parade and St Katharine’s Road areas before and after the shooting.
“I am aware the area was busy with pedestrians and motorists so I am asking anyone who may have captured any footage of the incident to please make that available to us also.
“Please call detectives with any information on 101,” he added.