HOMES SEARCHED OVER DISSIDENT REPUBLICAN MURDER OF RAY JOHNSTON

Murder victim Raymond Johnston blasted to death in his home with a shotgun by dissident republicans. Police say two gunmen were involved in his murder

MURDERSQUAD detectives have carried out raids of properties in Belfast in connection with the brutal shotgun killing of of Ray Johnston.

The 28-year-old was blasted in the chest at his home in Glenbawn Avenue, Poleglass, at around 8 pm on Tuesday, February 13.

The savage attack happened in front of his partner and 11-year-old child as he sat watching television.

Police believe the murder was carried out by the shadowy dissident group Action Against Drugs headed up

Detectives supported by heavily armed Tactical Support Group officers carried out the planned searches last night, Saturday, February 17 under section 41 of the Terrorism Act.

The first raid was in the Poleglass area of west Belfast.

At the same time, a house was raided in the New Lodge Road area of north Belfast.

A number of items were taken away for further examination from the addresses.

No arrests were made.

A PSNI spokeswoman said the searches were carried out in connection with the murder.

The spokesman said: “Police are continuing to appeal for information about the movements of Mr Johnston on the day of the murder and a dark-coloured car that was seen in the area around the time of the incident.

“Anyone with information that could help the investigation should contact detectives on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 1192 of 13/2/18 or ask to speak to detectives at the incident room in Musgrave.

“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.”

Detective Chief Inspector Geoffrey Boyce issued an appeal last week for anyone who witnessed a man wearing a blue coat with fur around the hood make off from the scene.

He got into a black car with tinted windows which drove away.

Police have said two gunmen were involved in the murder.

 

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