Political leaders condemn 'barbaric' gun killing in west Belfast
The murder of a takeaway delivery driver in west Belfast has been condemned by the North's political leaders as a "barbaric" crime.
Dan Murray, who was in his 50s, was bringing a food order to Lady Street, near the Grosvenor Road, when he was shot in the driver's seat of his car shortly after 10pm on Monday.
Mr Murray was well known to police and had survived a previous attempt on his life.
The shooting was the third in Belfast in 24 hours. Two young men were shot in separate paramilitary-style attacks on Monday.
In a joint statement, Stormont First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: "The shootings in Belfast yesterday were barbaric and wrong. We unreservedly condemn the actions of the perpetrators who care only for themselves.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims and their families, and in particular the family of Daniel Murray who was shot dead.
"Anyone with information about the attacks should bring it to the PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) immediately."
Sinn Féin MP for the area Paul Maskey condemned the killing "unreservedly".
"There can be no place in our society for such actions," he said.
"Those behind this incident have nothing to offer the community and need to stop these futile actions immediately.
"I would appeal for anyone with information on this shooting to bring it forward to the PSNI."
SDLP west Belfast Assembly member Alex Attwood said: "I condemn this atrocity. All with information should tell the police so that everything that can be done is done to pursue those who use the gun.
"This is one of a series of incidents. There is a pattern of violence including murder. The few seek to impose their will over the heads of the people.
"This threat needs to be assessed and addressed at policing and political levels. The huge numbers of good people, our older citizens and young families who live amid this threat need new actions and renewed hope that the threat will be comprehensively faced down."
PSNI Detective Superintendent Kevin Geddes said: "The victim was shot inside a car and was taken to hospital, but was pronounced dead a short time later.
"We are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information about this terrible crime to get in touch with us."
