POLICE IN NORTHERN Ireland have named the victim of last night’s shooting in west Belfast as 26-year-old Kieran McManus.
The local man was shot dead in the Kennedy Way area at about 11.20pm as he was placing a pizza delivery into the back of his car.
He was shot a number of times at close range. It is understood three of his friends were with him at the time of the shooting.
PSNI detectives have appealed for information as they launch a murder investigation.
“What happened in Kennedy Way last night was a brutal and ruthless attack which has no place in society,” said Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Karen Baxter.
“Kieran McManus was known to police but whatever Kieran did in his life, nothing justifies this action against him. This investigation will look at Kieran’s activities but today Kieran is a victim. We are keeping an open mind to the motive at this time and we are working on a number of lines of enquiry.”
The male culprit got out of his car and shot the victim before returning to his car and making off from the scene.
A dark-coloured Vauxhall Astra believed to be linked to the murder was found burned out a short time later in the Denewood Park area of the city.
Baxter said officers want to speak to anyone who may have been in the area around this time last night and who may have witnessed any specific activity or vehicles in the area.
“Those responsible for this ruthless murder will only be brought before the courts and put behind bars if people with information work with police.”
The murder is not thought to be related to sectarian violence.
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