20/08/2013

Arrests Over 1973 Belfast Shooting

Detectives investigating the murder of a Catholic teenager in north Belfast 40 years ago have arrested two men in Great Britain.

One of the suspects was detained in the Falkirk area of Scotland and the other in London.

Seamus Gilmore was shot by loyalist paramilitaries while he was working at a petrol station on the Ballysillan Road on Sunday, 4 February 1973.

The shooting was carried out by three men; one of whom was driving a hijacked car while the other two men got out and fired a number of shots.

18-year-old Mr Gilmore died the following day in hospital.

The two men were detained this morning by PSNI Serious Crime Branch officers as part of a renewed investigation into the murder.

Detectives had travelled to the Falkirk area of Scotland to arrest a 59-year-old suspect.

A second group of detectives travelled to London, supported by officers in the Metropolitan Police Service, to arrest a 61-year-old man.

Both suspects are being interviewed at police locations in Glasgow and London.

Seamus Gilmore's family released a statement, saying: "We appreciate the efforts of the PSNI which have culminated in these arrests.

"We have forgiven those who took Seamus' life and we pray for them.

"Our priority now is our 82 year old mother and will make no further comment on this matter."

(IT/MH)

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