Man Shot Dead While Collecting Child From School In Belfast

A man has been shot dead outside a school in west Belfast.

The incident happened in the Glen Road area outside St Mary's Christian Brothers school on Tuesday afternoon, 04 December.

It is understood the victim, who has been named as Jim Donegan, was in his red sports car waiting to pick up his child when he was targeted by a lone gunman wearing a high-vis security vest.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received an emergency call at around 3.15pm.

Police have subsequently launched a murder investigation and are appealing for witnesses.

St. Mary's school will be closed on Wednesday 05 December due to the on-going investigation.

In a statement, the school said: "The thoughts and prayers of the Principal and all the staff are with our pupil and his family at this very sad time.

"Ensuring that all pupils got home safely was our absolute focus following this tragic incident."

Pupils will be provided with counselling and support services in the wake of the attack.

SDLP Councillor Tim Attwood has condemned the actions of those responsible.

He said: "It is absolutely sickening that a gun was fired in the vicinity of both a primary and secondary school in west Belfast today.

"A number of pupils witnessed this fatality and are understandably very disturbed and frightened after this reckless act occurred nearby the school gates.

"There is absolutely no place for this in 2018; this madness belongs in the past and we cannot allow it to once again become our normality."

Deputy Leader of the Alliance Party, Stephen Farry MLA described the shooting as "a disgusting and depraved crime".

"I utterly condemn this killing, those who carried it out must be taken off our streets immediately. It was a reckless act which could have resulted in the additional injury or even worse of schoolchildren.

"My thoughts are with the loved ones of the deceased following this murder. We must also ensure any pupils who were in the vicinity at the time are given whatever support they need.

"If anyone has any information on this shooting, I urge them to contact police with it immediately."

Detective Chief Inspector Peter Montgomery said on Tuesday: "Police are currently at the scene of a shooting during which a man died this afternoon.

"I would like to appeal to anyone who saw a man in his 40's, wearing a high vis vest with the word 'Security' on the back heading in the direction of Glen Road, as well as anyone who witnessed the shooting or was in the Glen Road area from 3pm today, to come forward and speak to police.

"An incident room has been set up in Musgrave Police Station and anyone with information can contact detectives there on 101 quoting reference 741 04/12/18. Alternatively information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."



(JG)