Northern Ireland

A man has died following a shooting in north Belfast

 Officers are attending a scene on Etna Drive in the Ardoyne area. Picture by Mal McCann
 Officers are attending a scene on Etna Drive in the Ardoyne area. Picture by Mal McCann  Officers are attending a scene on Etna Drive in the Ardoyne area. Picture by Mal McCann

The “senseless murder” of a man in Belfast has been condemned.

The victim was shot at a house on Etna Drive in the Ardoyne area on Saturday.

A burned-out car was reportedly found nearby.

Justice minister Naomi Long condemned the “senseless murder” and offered her sympathies to the man’s family.

There was a heavy police presence in the area on Saturday afternoon with lines of Land Rovers sealing off both ends of the street.

The PSNI confirmed one man died in the shooting.

A PSNI spokeswoman said officers remain at the scene, adding: “We will provide further updates when we can.”

 The scene at Etna Drive in the Ardoyne area of Belfast, where a man has died following a shooting. A burnt-out car was reportedly found nearby.
 The scene at Etna Drive in the Ardoyne area of Belfast, where a man has died following a shooting. A burnt-out car was reportedly found nearby.  The scene at Etna Drive in the Ardoyne area of Belfast, where a man has died following a shooting. A burnt-out car was reportedly found nearby.

Ms Long said the incident had placed additional pressures on the health service already battling with the coronavirus pandemic.

“Those responsible for this appalling crime have left a family grieving and a community in shock,” she said.

“There is no place for the gun in our society and it is time to stop these attacks.

“This appalling crime places additional pressures on our first responders, at a time when they are already dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic and all of the challenges that brings with it.

“I would urge anyone with information to pass it to the police on the 101 number or to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”

Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly condemned the shooting and called for calm.

“I would appeal for calm at this time in the area and stress that anybody with any information about this horrific incident should bring it immediately to the PSNI,” he said.

“Actions like this have no place in our society and I repeat my condemnation of those involved.

“At a time when all frontline statutory agencies and indeed communities are doing what they can to fight against Covid-19, this just adds to the suffering unfortunately being experienced by local people at this time.”

SDLP councillor Paul McCusker said the incident has caused shock in the area.

“A man was shot in a garden in this community in broad daylight.

“It’s hard to describe how traumatic this has been for people who were going about their business,” he said.

“My thoughts are with this man’s family at an incredibly difficult time.

“Police have locked down a large part of the community where the shooting took place and near a burned-out car nearby.

“I would urge everyone to co-operate with PSNI officers as they investigate.

“I would encourage anyone with information to bring it to the police as soon as possible.”

 A man has died after a shooting in north Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann
 A man has died after a shooting in north Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann  A man has died after a shooting in north Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann