Poleglass murder was 'cold-blooded execution' - PSNI

Police have described the murder of a man in west Belfast as a “cold-blooded, brutal execution”.

Joe Reilly, who was 43, was shot twice in the chest in the living room of his home in Poleglass on Thursday evening.

It is the third shooting in the same area in a number of days.

The hunt for Mr Reilly’s killers continues amid widespread condemnation led by Northern Ireland’s political leaders.

Peter Montgomery, the inspector leading the murder inquiry, said it is "difficult" to know how to describe what happened.

He said: "This was a cold-blooded, summary execution of a man in his own house."

At around 8pm on Thursday, a number of men - one with a handgun - entered the victim's house in Glenwood Court through an unlocked door.

Two people were ordered into the kitchen and told to lie on the floor while Mr Reilly was kept in the living room.

He was then shot a number of times in the chest and despite the efforts of paramedics, died at the scene.

Mr Montgomery continued: "At this early stage of my investigations I have no motive for this murder and I will keep an open mind as to why he was killed.

"I have two appeals - firstly, I understand three children were seen in the area as the gunmen ran away.

"I need to talk to these children and find out what they saw.

"Secondly I appeal for anyone who was in Glenwood Court and Glenwood Crescent before or after 8pm to come forward."

An incident room has been set up and anyone with information can contact the PSNI on 101 or via the anonymous charity Crimestoppers.