POLICE have named the dissident republican group they believe was behind the murder of a young man in Belfast in February.
Raymond Johnston, 28, died after being shot in the chest in his own home on February 13 this year.
His partner and her 11-year-old daughter, who were in the house at the time, witnessed the murder.
Today, the PSNI said they believed Arm na Poblachta (Army of the Republic) were behind the killing.
They have also released images of two hooded men caught on CCTV entering Mr Johnston’s home just before the attack.
'Cold, clinical and brutal killing'
“Raymond’s family, his partner and her daughter have been left devastated,” said Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Boyce, from the Serious Crime Branch.
“Not only did they lose Raymond in the most brutal fashion, but his partner and her daughter also witnessed his horrific murder.
“The trauma of witnessing such a cold, clinical and brutal killing will be etched in their memories for the rest of their lives.
“They didn’t deserve this and there is absolutely no justification for murdering Raymond.
“Today we are also prepared to publicly state that we believe Arm na Poblachta, who claim to be a dissident republican terrorist group, were directly involved in Raymond’s murder.
CCTV captured two hooded men entering Mr Johnston's house just before he was murdered (Image: PSNI)“The gunmen deliberated, planned and carried out the murder of Raymond Johnston brazenly, coldly and clinically.”
Police have arrested four people during their investigation, although all have been released without charge.
DCI Boyce appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
“We have made arrests and carried out searches as part of this investigation and we are making progress,” he said, “however I would plead with the community to help us take that next step to unmask these killers.
“No matter how trivial or inconsequential you think a detail might be, please tell us.
“It could be the missing piece of the jigsaw that helps us solve this savage murder and lead us to those who are responsible.”
Anyone with information can contact police on 101 provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
See More: Arm Na Poblachta, Raymond Johnston
