Police stage reconstruction of Brett murder

In a bid to help with ongoing murder inquiries police staged a reconstruction of the shooting of teenager Gavin Brett on Sunday.

Following a stop-and-question operation held by police at around the time of the murder, police in Newtownabbey have mounted a fresh appeal for information on the drive-by murder of 18-year-old Gavin Brett, who was shot dead outside St Enda’s GAA club on the Hightown Road, Glengormley on July 29.

At around 11.20pm Gavin and a friend were standing on the footpath opposite the junction with the Hollybrook Road. A car, believed to be a dark coloured Vauxhall Nova saloon, drove down the road from the direction of the Upper Hightown Road and a number of shots were fired from the car. It is believed that two gunmen may have been involved. After the shooting the car drove off at speed towards Glengormley village.

Gavin Brett was struck twice and despite the best efforts of his paramedic father, he died at the scene. His friend was struck once on the ankle.

Police said that at approximately 11.20pm a Vauxhall car was seen being driven recklessly at the Sandyknowes Roundabout and drove from the Antrim Road to the Ballyhenry Road.

A dark blue Vauxhall Nova saloon, registration number HDZ 6603 was found burnt out, behind shops at Ballyearl Drive, New Mossley and police believe that this car may be connected to the murder.

Detectives at Newtownabbey are keen to speak to any of the youths who were standing on the Hightown Road at the junction with the Hollybrook Road, before the shooting, or anyone who was in the area at the time. They are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who has information about the movements of the dark blue Vauxhall Nova.

Meanwhile, police have charged a 36-year-old man has been charged with withholding information related to the murder.

(SP)