LISTEN: Widespread condemnation after man dies in north Belfast gun attack

by Q Radio News

A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a man in a shooting incident in north Belfast, police said.

he man who was killed has been named locally as Daniel McLean, who was in his 50s.

Detective Chief Inspector Peter Montgomery said: “We received a report around 8.15 pm, that a man had been shot in the Cliftonville Road area of the city.

“Officers attended, along with colleagues from NIAS. Sadly, a man has been pronounced dead.

“We would urge anyone who was in the area at the time or who may have any information which may assist us with our inquiries to contact 101 or alternatively information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

(A white forensic tent is erected at the scene of last night's shooting in north Belfast)

(Forensic officers gather evidence at the scene of last night's shooting)

Northern Ireland’s leaders have condemned the murder of a man in north Belfast.

First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill spoke out following the shooting on Cliftonville Road.

Mrs Foster described the shooting as terrible news for people in the area and expressed her sympathies with the family of the man who died.

Ms O’Neill told the BBC: “At the heart of that is going to be a grieving family who lost a loved one last night and our thoughts are very much with the family.

“The police will have a job of work to do. This is not something that is acceptable at any level in our society and I think that anyone with information should come forward to the PSNI and assist with the investigation.”

Clifton Crescent and a nearby guesthouse remained cordoned off.

🎥 Forensic teams are at the scene where a man was murdered on the Cliftonville Road in north Belfast.

The man in his 50s was gunned down shortly after 8pm last night. pic.twitter.com/4796Tsi33v

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) February 3, 2021

Meanwhile, 

Policing Board member, MLA John Blair is appalled:

Sinn Fein issued this statement in the immediate aftermath of the attack:

Community shocked by North Belfast shooting – Ní Chuilín

Responding to reports of a shooting in the Cliftonville Road area of North Belfast tonight Sinn Féin MLA Caral Ni Chuilín said:

“There are reports that a man has been shot and injured in the Cliftonville Road area of North Belfast tonight.

“The local community are deeply shocked by this incident.

“I am appealing to any witnesses to this shooting to come forward to police and assist their investigation.” 

(A security cordon was set up on the Cliftonville Road immediately after the fatal shooting)

(The scene of last night's shooting  on the Cliftonville road)