LAST UPDATE | 18 May 2020

A MURDER INVESTIGATION has been launched after a man was shot dead in Belfast at 10pm last night.

The man has been named as Kieran Wylie, who was 57 years old. The PSNI said that the shooting took place at a property in the Lenadoon Avenue area of Belfast.

Detective Chief Inspector Darren McCartney of the PSNI said: “…My thoughts are very much with his family, including his children.

“My investigation into his murder is at a very early stage and I am continuing to make enquiries into events leading up to the shooting.” 

The PSNI said that the 57-year-old was shot a number of times.

This was a brutal killing and I believe Kieran was shot a number of times at close range.

“It is too early to be sure about the motive for his murder and at this stage I am keeping an open mind.

Detective Chief Inspector Michelle Shaw said that officers attended the scene, along with colleagues from Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, where the man was pronounced dead.

“Our enquiries are at any early stage,” Shaw said.

However, I would appeal to anyone with information, or who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area around that time, to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 1589 of 17/05/20.

Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is anonymous.