Murder hunt after man is shot dead in Belfast

Detective Chief Inspector Michelle Shaw said: “We received a report at around 10pm that a man had been shot in a property in the Lenadoon Avenue area of the city.

“Officers attended, along with colleagues from Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. Sadly, a man has been pronounced dead at the scene.

“Our enquiries are at any early stage. However, I would appeal to anyone with information, or who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area around that time, to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 1589 of 17/05/20.”

Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous.

West Belfast MP Paul Maskey condemned the attack and said his thoughts were with the man’s family. He urged anyone with information on the shooting to contact the PSNI.

“Local people are shocked and angry that anyone would carry out an attack like this when the community and the emergency services are facing the challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.