Sean Fox killers fired 20 bullets at victim

Detectives from the PSNI major investigation team probing the murder of 42-year-old Sean Fox in west Belfast on Sunday, have also released CCTV footage showing two hooded gunmen walking to the club where the shooting occurred. They are later seen running from the club.

Police revealed that the two gunmen fired 20 bullets at Mr Fox and stood over him as he collapsed.

Detectives said they are following several lines of inquiry, including Mr Fox’s friendship with another murder victim Jim Donegan, who was gunned down outside a school in Belfast in December 2018.

Making a public appeal for information and revealing the reward offered by Crimestoppers, Detective Superintendent Eamonn Corrigan said: “On Sunday afternoon, at around 2.25pm, two masked gunmen entered the Donegal Celtic Sports and Social Club on the Suffolk Road in west Belfast and made their way past several people.

“Sean Fox, who was a married father of two and a regular visitor to the club, was singled out as he sat enjoying a drink in a busy function room.

“He was shot multiple times by both gunmen. At one point, both gunmen stood over Sean, shooting him, as he collapsed to the floor.

“This was a calculated, planned, ruthless execution. It was carried out in broad daylight and in the presence of others.

“The gunmen arrived, carried out the murder and left the club in under a minute. They were inside the premises for approximately 21 seconds.”

The detective said the killers left on foot along the Suffolk Road in the direction of Gweedore Gardens.

He added: “This is a popular local club used widely by local families with young children.

“The gunmen fired 20 bullets and we have identified multiple strike marks.

“Anyone in that room or indeed nearby could have been killed or seriously injured on Sunday.

“This cold-blooded act has taken a man’s life. It has left a family bereft and many others in the local community shocked.

“This barbaric act has no place in society.”

Mr Corrigan continued: “I am asking anyone with information to please get in touch.

“Were you in the social club on Sunday afternoon? Did you witness the incident or see the two masked men arrive or leave the club?

“Were you in the surrounding area at the time? If you have any information or if you have any mobile or dash cam footage please contact us on 101.”

Both suspects are described as men “of athletic build”. The first was wearing a blue hooded top, a peaked baseball cap and dark face covering, while the second was wearing a light hooded top, a peaked baseball cap and a light-green face covering.