Murder victim shot in front of partner and child

The man shot and killed in the Poleglass area of west Belfast was gunned down in front of his partner and an 11-year-old child, police have confirmed.

The 28-year-old victim – named as Raymond Johnston - was shot in the chest in the living room of his home in the Glenbawn Avenue area just after 8pm on Tuesday.

The attack is the second fatal shooting in Poleglass in just over a year.

A neighbour who arrived at the scene just moments after the gun attack told UTV the house was “just a bloodbath”.

Detectives from the PSNI’s Serious Crime branch are investigating and say they have not yet established a definite motive, but are exploring a number of lines of enquiry.

Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Boyce said: “Our thoughts are very much with his family and I condemn this horrendous murder.

“It is just unacceptable that someone would produce a weapon and open fire in any circumstances.

“However, it is particularly chilling that this attack took place in front of his partner and an 11-year-old child in his own living room.”

• VIDEO: Neighbour tells UTV the house was "a bloodbath"

Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed a man in a blue coat with fur around the hood make off from the scene.

He is understood to have got into a black car with tinted windows which drove away from the scene.

“We all have a part to play to ensure that the community in Poleglass has the time to come to terms with what has happened here, and to ensure that those responsible for this murder are brought to justice,” DCI Boyce said.

“I would appeal to anyone who has any information, no matter how insignificant they may think it is, to contact detectives on the non-emergency number 101.”

Information can also be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.