TWO MEN HAVE been arrested today in Scotland and London today as part of a renewed investigation into the murder of a Catholic teenager in north Belfast 40 years ago.
Seamus Gilmore was working at a petrol station on the Ballysillan Road on Sunday 4 February 1973 when he was shot by loyalist paramilitaries in a sectarian attack. Two men, believed to members of the Ulster Volunteer Fource (UVF), got out of a hijacked car driven by a third man and fired a number of shots. Seamus, who was 18, died the following day in hospital.
Detectives from PSNI’s serious crime branch travelled to the Falkirk area where they today arrested a 59-year-old man with assistance from Police Scotland officers. At the same time, detectives travelled to London where a 61-year-old man was arrested with assistance from officers in the Metropolitan Police Service. Both suspects are being interviewed at police locations in Glasgow and London.
PSNI Detective Inspector Chris Wilson is leading the investigation and said that despite the length of time that had elapsed since the killing, people still may have valuable information to contribute. “Following a review process, a number of new lines of inquiry have been identified,” he said. “I have spoken to the Gilmore family to keep them updated on developments. Even though Seamus’ murder took place more than 40 years ago, I would appeal to anyone who has any information about the shooting or who was involved to contact us.”
The PSNI have also said that they have been asked by the family Gilmore to release a brief statement following the arrests:
We appreciate the efforts of the PSNI which have culminated in these arrests. We have forgiven those who took Seamus’ life and we pray for them. Our priority now is our 82-year-old mother and will make no further comment on this matter.
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