POLICE have appealed for information after a man was shot dead in front of his partner and an 11-year-old child in Belfast.
Ray Johnston, 28, was killed with a shotgun at his house on Glenbawn Avenue in Poleglass, West Belfast at around 8pm last night.
Detectives have launched a murder investigation and are seeking a “man in a blue coat” in connection with the incident.
DCI 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.
“I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed a male 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 from the scene”.
Murder inquiry launched following a shooting at a house in Glenbawn Avenue in West Belfast last night. https://t.co/RFHReSFnGv
— PSNI (@PoliceServiceNI) February 14, 2018
DCI Boyce said no definitive motive has been established but police are exploring a number of possible lines of enquiry.
He added: “Obviously as the investigation is at a very early stage I cannot expand further upon that at present."
Local police will continue to maintain a presence in the area to reassure the shocked community.
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.”
Anyone with information is urged to call police at Musgrave Street on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
See More: Belfast, Murder, Northern Ireland
