03/12/2002

Police renew appeal about north Belfast murder

Police have renewed their appeal for information about the murder of a man in north Belfast a year ago.

Frankie Mulholland (34) was attacked at around 8pm on December 3 2001 as he sat in his car, parked near a petrol station on the Upper Crumlin Road. Police believe two or three men approached the silver-coloured Vauxhall Frontera and carried out the shooting. Mr Mulholland, who was sitting in the driver's seat of the vehicle, sustained multiple gunshot wounds, and died from his injuries at the scene.

A passenger who was also in the car at the time of the attack was unhurt, and was taken to hospital to be treated for shock.

Detectives say they are following a definite line of inquiry in the case, but have issued an appeal for those who know more about the shooting to come forward.

Investigating officers have said they wish to hear from anyone who was in the area around the time of attack – between 7.45pm and 8.15pm – or anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area on December 3 last year.

Also being sought are two people who contacted police in the days immediately after the shooting, with one calling the day after the attack, and the other around 10 days later. Police have stressed that these individuals could have information vital to the investigation.

Police have not ruled out a drugs motive for the killing, which was claimed by the Red Hand Defenders, a cover name used in the past by the Ulster Defence Association and the Loyalist Volunteer Force, and it is understood Mr Mulholland served time in prison for drugs-related offences.

The officer in charge of the case, Detective Chief Inspector Ken Armstrong, said that he was aware of the concerns that people may have about providing information about the murder, but added: "We are aware of speculation about a drugs motive, and we have not ruled this out of our inquiries.

"Whatever the motive, the fact remains that two boys have been left without a father. A would appeal to anyone with any information to come forward."

(CL)

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