21/06/2018

Raymond Johnston Murder: Police Blame Dissident Republicans

Police believe a dissident republican group Arm na Poblachta was behind the murder of Raymond Johnston in west Belfast.

Mr Johnston was fatally shot at his house in the Glenbawn Avenue area of Poleglass on 13 February.

His partner and child were in the house at the time.

The PSNI have released CCTV footage outside his house which shows two hooded men entering his home and one of them is carrying a shotgun.

They are then seen fleeing the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Boyce said: "The trauma of witnessing such a cold, clinical and calculated killing will be etched in their memories for the rest of their lives. They didn’t deserve this and there is absolutely no justification for murdering Raymond.

"I am asking people living in the Glenbawn area to search their memories and consciences. Try to recall where you were on the day before Valentine’s Day - did you see Raymond that Tuesday, did you see the gunmen approach his house?

"We have made arrests and carried out searches as part of this investigation and we are making progress, however I would plead with the community to help us take that next step to unmask these killers.

"No matter how trivial or inconsequential you think a detail might be, please tell us. It could be the missing piece of the jigsaw that helps us solve this savage murder and lead us to those who are responsible."

(CD)

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