By Dylan O'Sullivan-
A man was killed in front of his partner and an 11-year-old child in what police has described as “chilling”.
28-year-old Raymond Johnston was shot dead with a shotgun in Poleglass in West Belfast at around 8 pm on Tuesday at a house on Glenbawn Avenue. Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Boyce said:
“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.” He wants to hear from anyone who witnessed a man wearing a blue coat with fur around the hood make off from the scene, getting into a black car with tinted windows which drove away, as well as anyone with any other information.
He added:
“While a definitive motive for the shooting has not been established we are exploring a number of possible lines of inquiry.”
Local police will continue to maintain a presence in the area to provide reassurance to residents.
Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley said: “This horrific and sickening murder took place on a quiet, residential street as parents put their children to bed.
“There is absolutely no place in society for those who carried out this brutal murder.”
West Belfast MP Paul Maskey said the whole community was sickened.
Sinn Fein councilor Stephen Magennis said the community was outraged by the attack.
SDLP councilor Brian Heading said it was a “monstrous” criminal act and reminiscent of violent scenes from the past.
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long said it was a shocking murder.
Police are still investigating the murder and are keeping an open mind as to the motive of the killing.