Police say there are many in the Divis area of west Belfast who feel that violence has no place in their community.
Detectives have conducted a number of enquiries in the area today after shots were fired into the air as a salute to former INLA prisoner Michael McElkerney (57) who died in hospital after being found critically injured at Milltown cemetery earlier this month.
Footage emerged of a masked gunman firing a rifle into the air outside Mr McElkerney’s home in Divis. Following the volley of shots, onlookers were heard cheering.
Detective Inspector Carol Dane said the scene at Ross Street on Monday (May 20) was not only shocking and reckless, but also a criminal act, which was carried out by those who seek to control communities through fear of violence.
“We visited the area today and carried out house to house enquiries and a further trawl for CCTV footage as part of our ongoing investigation. I believe there are many in the Divis area who feel that violence has no place in their community, and it is them I appeal to when I ask for information. Anyone with any information can speak directly to detectives at Musgrave on 101 or totally anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111,” she added.
