Northern Ireland

Sean Fox's killers fired 20 bullets, police reveal

CCTV footage released by the PSNI in their investigation into Sean Fox's killing
CCTV footage released by the PSNI in their investigation into Sean Fox's killing CCTV footage released by the PSNI in their investigation into Sean Fox's killing

Sean Fox's killers fired 20 bullets in a busy west Belfast social club, police have revealed as they released CCTV footage from outside the club.

The 42-year-old was shot dead by two gunmen as he watched a football match at Donegal Celtic FC social club on Sunday.

Police said his killers were in the Suffolk Road premises for 21 seconds and Mr Fox had been shot "multiple times by both gunmen".

"At one point, both gunmen stood over Sean, shooting him, as he collapsed to the floor," PSNI Detective Superintendent Eamonn Corrigan said.

"This was a calculated, planned, ruthless execution.  It was carried out in broad daylight and in the presence of others."

The married father of two children was a regular visitor to the club, according to police.

DS Corrigan said the victim was singled out as he sat in a busy function room.

"This is a popular local club widely used by local families with young children. The gunmen fired 20 bullets and we have identified multiple strike marks. Anyone in that room or indeed nearby, could have been killed or seriously injured on Sunday," he added.

The senior officer said the gunmen carried out the murder in less than one minute.

"They were inside the premises for approximately 21 seconds. They left on foot, along the Suffolk Road, in the direction of Gweedore Gardens."

Police have released CCTV footage which shows two men wearing dark tracksuit bottoms and hooded sweatshirts, with the hoods over their heads, walking into Donegal Celtic FC social club and later running out.

There is a £20,000 reward from Crimestoppers for anonymous information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder.

"This cold-blooded act has taken a man's life. It has left a family bereft, and many others in the local community shocked.  This barbaric act has no place in any society," the detective said. 

"I am asking anyone with information to please get in touch. Were you in the social club on Sunday afternoon?  Did you witness the incident, or see the two masked men arrive or leave the club? Were you in the surrounding area at the time? If you have any information, or if you have any mobile or dash cam footage, please contact us on 101.

"One suspect is a man of athletic build.  He was wearing a blue hooded-top, a peaked baseball cap, dark face covering, two-toned gloves (pale on top and dark on the bottom), dark-coloured bottoms and dark shoes/trainers.

"The second suspect is also a man of athletic build, and was wearing a distinctive light (possibly grey) hooded-top with three red lines down each arm, a peaked baseball cap, a light-green face covering, two-toned gloves (pale on top and dark on the bottom), dark-coloured bottoms and dark shoes/trainers.

"If anyone wants to stay anonymous, they can give information to the independent charity Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. There is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and computer IP addresses are never traced or provided to detectives."

Read more:Police urged to reassure public after Sean Fox murder (premium) 

DS Eamonn Corrigan said Sean Fox's killing was "a calculated, planned, ruthless execution". Picture by Hugh Russell
DS Eamonn Corrigan said Sean Fox's killing was "a calculated, planned, ruthless execution". Picture by Hugh Russell DS Eamonn Corrigan said Sean Fox's killing was "a calculated, planned, ruthless execution". Picture by Hugh Russell