PSNI launch murder investigation after shooting victim Geordie Gilmore dies

Police have launched a murder investigation after a man shot in a gun attack in Carrickfergus has died.
Geordie GilmoreGeordie Gilmore
Geordie Gilmore

The victim had been named locally as Geordie Gilmore.

He was blasted as he sat in a car in the Pinewood Avenue area of Carrick at around 2.15pm yesterday.

The gunman is believed to have fled the scene on foot.

He had been a well-known figure in the Co Antrim town and his murder has sparked fears of a bloody feud erupting.

Police have confirmed they have launched a murder investigation following the death of a 44-year-old man who was shot in Carrickfergus yesterday afternoon.

Head of Serious Crime Branch Detective Chief Superintendent Raymond Murray said: “Our thoughts are with the Gilmore family at this time as they come to terms with their loss.

“We are still at an early stage of the investigation, which is now a murder investigation, and while we have definite lines of enquiry I would appeal to local people to help us identify the person or persons who orchestrated and carried out this ruthless attack in broad daylight.

The scene of the shootingThe scene of the shooting
The scene of the shooting

“Those involved had no consideration for the local community when they carried out their attack in a residential street populated with families, young children and older people. Help us remove them from your community and place them before the courts.

“I would urge anyone with information or who believes they can assist the investigation in any way to please come forward. You can call police on 101 or if you would prefer to provide you information anonymously you can by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”

Local UUP Assemblymen for East Antrim, Roy Beggs and John Stewart, have condemned the murder of a man in Carrickfergus.

Roy Beggs MLA said: "The murder of George Gilmore and the attempted murder which preceded it must be condemned without reservation. These vicious attacks are shocking reminders that there are still people in our society who are prepared to use extreme violence to exert control in parts of the community.

PSNI officers carry out armed raid after Carrickfergus shooting yesterdayPSNI officers carry out armed raid after Carrickfergus shooting yesterday
PSNI officers carry out armed raid after Carrickfergus shooting yesterday

“The events in and around Carrickfergus over the past few days have been horrendous. Action needs to be taken to bring a degree of security to the entire community. I support a strong security response by the PSNI to ensure guns are found and removed, so that no one else is caught up in the cross fire of a bloody feud which has gone on for far too long.”

John Stewart MLA said: "The events of the last 48 hours are truly shocking. Guns on the street and extreme violence being used is something which demands a strong and resolute response – not just from the police, but by the wider community. The vast majority of the people of Carrickfergus are sickened by the continued existence and activities of those who describe themselves as loyalist paramilitaries. The worry is that innocent people could be harmed if this feud continues to escalate.

“I would plead for everyone to turn their backs once and for all on paramilitaries of whatever type and faction. The only way to end the violence is to give unqualified support and assistance to the legitimate forces of law and order - the PSNI."