41-year-old man arrested after Shane Whitla shot dead in Lurgan
Mr Whitla was shot in an alleyway in the town last week.
Last updated 18th Jan 2023
A 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder by detectives investigating the fatal shooting of a man in Lurgan, County Armagh.
Shane Whitla, 39, was shot in an alleyway close to his home before making his way to Lord Lurgan Park last week.
Police made the arrest after conducting a search of a house in Lurgan.
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team investigating the murder of Shane Whitla have released CCTV footage.
The 39-year-old father of four was discovered in a park in Lurgan on the evening of Thursday 12 January, and, sadly, subsequently pronounced dead.
WATCH CCTV BELOW:
Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell said: “Shane Whitla was discovered in Lord Lurgan Park, after officers responded to a report received at around 8.15pm. However CCTV footage now confirms that the gunmen shot Shane in the alleyway off Woodville Street, which is near to Shane’s home.
“Shane had been shot a number of times, including once in the back. After being shot, he made his way to the park, where he subsequently collapsed and died. At this stage the two gunmen ran back through the alleyway on Woodville Street, one ahead of the other. They turn right, then left onto Victoria Street.
“This was a cowardly and despicable attack, which has taken a man’s life and left a family, including four children, bereft.”
Detective Inspector Caldwell continued: “Our CCTV footage shows Shane leaving his house on Victoria Street and walking into Woodville Street where he walks into an entry. I believe the two gunmen were waiting for Shane and the CCTV shows these two people walk from Victoria Gardens and turn left onto Victoria Street then into Woodville Street and into the entry seconds later after Shane.
“Following the shooting, the gunmen can be seen running back out of the alleyway on Woodville Street onto Victoria Street, they then cross the road and go into Victoria Gardens.
“I’m asking you to take a good look at this footage. Do you recognise either of these men?