Man killed in west Belfast shotgun attack

He was aged in his late 20s and was gunned down in Poleglass around 8pm on Tuesday night.

Mr Johnston was targeted with a shotgun at a house in Glenbawn Avenue. It's understood he was shot in the chest.

An 11-year-old girl as well as the man's partner were reportedly in the room at the time. There was also a 15 year old girl in the house.

Neighbours have described hearing the shots and then a young girl screaming for help.

One of the first to arrive at the house described the scene as a "bloodbath". He said efforts were made to perform CPR on Mr Johnston, but they were to no avail.

Other local people have described the victim as a friendly, helpful man who carried out painting and decorating work for neighbours. They say they are baffled as to why he's been targetted in such a way.

West Belfast MP Paul Maskey told our reporter Damien Edgar the whole community was sickened.

Detective Chief Inspector Peter Montgomery said detectives from the PSNI were working to establish a motive and appealed for anyone with information to contact police.

Local Sinn Fein councillor Stephen Magennis said the community was outraged by the attack.

SDLP councillor Brian Heading said it was a "monstrous'' criminal act and reminiscent of violent scenes from the past.

Alliance Party leader Naomi Long said it was a shocking murder.

Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley said: "This horrific and sickening murder took place on a quiet, residential street as parents put their children to bed.

"There is absolutely no place in society for those who carried out this brutal murder.''

Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Boyce said: “Our thoughts are very much with his family and I condemn this horrendous murder. Raymond died after being shot just before 8pm last night.

“It is just unacceptable that someone would produce a weapon and open fire in any circumstances however it is particularly chilling that this attack took place in front of his partner and an 11 year old child in his own living room.

“I would ask for anyone who has any information about this murder to contact police.

“I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed a male wearing a blue coat with fur around the hood make off from the scene getting into a black car with tinted windows which drove away from the scene.

“While a definitive motive for the shooting has not been established we are exploring a number of possible lines of enquiry.

“Obviously as the investigation is at a very early stage I cannot expand further upon that at present.

“Local police will continue to maintain a presence in the area to provide reassurance to residents. We all have a part to play to ensure that the community in Poleglass has the time to come to terms with what has happened here and to ensure that those responsible for this murder are brought to justice.

“I would appeal to anyone who has any information, no matter how insignificant they may think it is, to contact Detectives on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 1192 of 13/02/18 or ask to speak to Detectives at the incident room at Musgrave Street.”

Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."