Investigations into ‘reckless’ west Belfast murder ongoing
A murder enquiry is underway after a man was chased through busy Belfast streets by two masked men and shot dead in broad daylight.
The victim, 28-year-old Warren Crossan, was pursued along Rodney Parade, before being shot at St Katharine’s Road just before 1pm on Saturday.
Police say he was shot a number of times at close range.
“This was a brutal murder and the brazen recklessness of the killers completely beggars belief,” PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Darren McCartney said.
“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.”
DCI McCartney added: “My thoughts are very much with the family of the victim 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.”
Police say the area was busy with pedestrians and motorists at the time of the shooting.
They are appealing for witnesses who saw the victim being chased, or anything relevant before or after the shooting, to contact them.
Detectives also want anyone who captured footage of the incident to make that available to them.
DCI McCartney said: “We are interested in Warren's movement prior to the shooting.
“We know he left his home in the Crumlin area shorty before 11am in a dark metallic blue Skoda Octavia. He was next observed parking the vehicle at the family home in Rodney Parade at approximately 12.40pm.
“We are keen to hear from anyone who saw Warren during this time.
“Any information you can provide no matter how trivial, could be important and help us in solving the murder.”
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