Man ‘with dissident links’ gunned down outside pub is named locally

Police received reports of the shooting on the Cliftonville Road at about 8.15pm.

But the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The shooting happened just outside McGraths Bar in a built up area and close to Fold residential care for elderly people.

Det Ch Insp Peter Montgomery urged anyone who was in the area at the time, or who may have information, to get in contact with police.

Local sources have said the murder victim was ‘known to the police’ with ‘links to dissdent republicans,’

He has been named locally as Danny McClean. He was in his 50s.

Sinn Féin North Belfast assembly member Carál Ní Chuilín described the shooting as “shocking” and also called for witnesses to speak to police.

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill condemned the murder. “At the heart of this there is a grieving family and I send my condolences to them,” she said.

“This is not aceptable in any society and anyone with information should contact the PSNI”.

People Before Profit councillor Fiona Ferguson said the news was “devastating”.

“This kind of act is not representative of the local community nor welcomed,” said Ms Ferguson in a tweet.

The councillor added there is “no place for gun violence on our streets”.

DUP councillor Dale Pankhurst condemned the shooting and said his thoughts were with the victim’s family.

Social media also reacted with horror to the shooting last night.

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