Funeral of Ray Johnston to take place

By Hannah Spratt

The funeral will take place later this morning of Ray Johnston.

The 28 year-old was gunned down at his home in the Glenbawn Avenue area of west Belfast last Tuesday.

The mass will take place at the Church of the Nativity in Poleglass at 10am.

Councillor Stephen Magennis said the local community was outraged by the attack.

"This community is stunned and outraged at this latest brutal killing," said the Sinn Fein representative.

"I have spoken to some of the victim's family and friends and they are obviously devastated and in a state of shock.

"There can be absolutely no justification for this murder which was carried out in the most brutal fashion.

"The people carrying out these attacks are bringing nothing but death and destruction. They need to be condemned and should get off the backs of this community.

"I would appeal to anyone who has any information about this attack to bring it to the PSNI."

SDLP councillor Brian Heading said: "The entire community in West Belfast is in shock. These are scenes that we thought we had left far behind us.

"Those responsible for this monstrous criminal act must be caught and they must be brought to justice. There is no room in this city or in this society for those intent on murder and mayhem and who will commit the most heinous crimes.

"I'm calling on anyone with information to please come forward to police. These thugs cannot be allowed to bully this strong community into silence. They cannot dominate us, we cannot let them."

Alliance Party leader Naomi Long tweeted: "Shocking murder in West Belfast. My thoughts are with the victim's family at this time.

"I would appeal for anyone with any information to contact the PSNI. Whilst those responsible are free on our streets, the community is not safe."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.