Fourth man arrested in connection with Belfast shooting of suspect in Mulready Woods killing - reports

A fourth man has now been arrested according to reports following the fatal shooting in Belfast of a man who it has been reported was a suspect in the killing of Keane Mulready Woods

Yesterday three men were arrested for questioning following the shooting in Belfast.

They continue to be questioned this morning.

Dead man in fatal Belfast shooting was suspect in Keane Mulready Woods killing - reports

Three men arrested following the fatal shooting in Belfast of a man who it has been reported was a suspect in the killing of Keane Mulready Woods continue to be questioned this morning.

Keane Mulready Woods was a 17-year-old Drogheda teenager whose dismembered body was found in Dublin in January.

Media have named the victim in this shooting as Robbie Lawlor, a well known gangland figure.

He was shot dead at close range outside a house at Etna Street in the Ardoyne area shortly before noon on Saturday and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A burned-out car was found nearby.

The PSNI said on Saturday evening that three men have been arrested on suspicion of murder. They are being questioned by detectives at Musgrave police station.

Earlier, Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy said he was “astounded by the recklessness of the killer or killers”.

He added: “Not only did they carry out this callous murder, leaving a family experiencing their worst nightmare, but they did not care that children and other members of this north Belfast community were placed at risk.

“Murder is a heinous crime and killing someone during this global coronavirus pandemic is sickening when people are trying to adjust to living a new way and trying to cope with the pressures this brings.

“Those involved in this murder selfishly gave no thought to the impact on front-line emergency services who are already working hard to keep people safe with an already stretched resource.”

Mr Murphy said it was too early to speculate on the motive and he was following “a number of lines of inquiry”.

He added: “A light-coloured car, registration YLZ 7052, was found burned out in nearby Kingston Court and I am currently seeking to establish what relevance this car has to my investigation.

“I know the community is in shock at the moment but I would appeal to anyone who has information about this appalling murder to bring that information forward to the police.

“I am aware the area was busy with pedestrians and people out in their front gardens, so I am asking anyone who may have captured any footage of the incident to please make that available to us. I have activated the Major Incident Public Portal which can be accessed at mipp.police.uk.

“The investigation team can be contacted by calling 101, quoting reference 562 of April 4.”

‘Senseless murder’ of man in Belfast condemned

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 Police Service of Northern Ireland (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.”

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.”