Unusal Type Of Gun Used To Kill Gerard 'Jock' Davison

An unusual type of gun was used to murder Gerard 'Jock' Davison, according to the police.

Mr Davison, 47, was killed in the Markets area of Belfast earlier this month.

The victim was shot on Welsh Street as he walked to work just after 9am on Tuesday 5 May. The gunman shot him from behind before standing over him and shooting him four times in the head.

Appealing for information about the murder on BBC Crimewatch on Tuesday evening, Detective Superintendent Kevin Geddes from Serious Crime Branch said: "The weapon and bullets used were an Eastern European type called Makarov. These 9mm bullets are unusual in as much as they will not work in most types of Western handgun. They are a slightly different size and can only be fired using a Makarov type gun.

"This type of weapon and ammunition are extremely rare in Northern Ireland. We have a photo of a Makarov type 9mm handgun which we are issuing. Someone knows about this weapon and its ammunition. We need people with information to come forward on the non-emergency police number 101."

The gunman is described by witnesses as being about five ft six inches tall and was wearing a dark hooded rain jacket. He made his escape from the scene up an alleyway towards Stanfield Place.

Detective Geddes continued: "We are also issuing a photo of a similar type jacket in the hope this may jog someone's memory.

"We also believe the gunman may have been in the area some time before the shooting. A man fitting a similar description was seen standing at the junction of Welsh Street and McAuley Street at around 8.40am. A similar man was also seen with a red and white carrier bag, holding it with two hands on Welsh Street. They may be different people and they may be innocent members of the public. Either way, we need them to come forward so that they can be ruled out of our enquiries."

(CD)