Menu
04/12/2001
Drugs link not discounted in north Belfast murder
The Red Hand Defenders have claimed that they were behind the shooting of man in north Belfast on Monday evening.
The 34-year-old man, named as Francis Mulholland, was attacked as he sat in a car on the Upper Crumlin Road at around 8pm on Monday December 3. Mr Mulholland was sitting in the driver’s seat of the vehicle when he was shot several times.
A spokesperson from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirmed that Mr Mulholland died at the scene from his injuries. A passenger in the car appeared unharmed but was taken to the Mater Hospital to be treated for shock.
Commenting on the case, Detective Chief Inspector Ken Armstrong said: "The Red Hand Defenders have made a claim of responsibility and this is something that we are investigating. But at this early stage we have not ruled out a drugs motive."
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from throughout the political arena, with North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds describing the murder as a “brutal slaying” that would only increase tensions at an “already difficult and volatile time”.
Alban Maginness of the SDLP added that the murder had shocked both sides of the community on a day when a major community relations initiative had been announced by the First and Deputy First Ministers.
Earlier on Monday, two teenagers escaped an apparently sectarian attack, when a pipe bomb was thrown over the peace line at the sectarian interface between Hillman Street and Duncairn Gardens in north Belfast. (CL)
The 34-year-old man, named as Francis Mulholland, was attacked as he sat in a car on the Upper Crumlin Road at around 8pm on Monday December 3. Mr Mulholland was sitting in the driver’s seat of the vehicle when he was shot several times.
A spokesperson from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirmed that Mr Mulholland died at the scene from his injuries. A passenger in the car appeared unharmed but was taken to the Mater Hospital to be treated for shock.
Commenting on the case, Detective Chief Inspector Ken Armstrong said: "The Red Hand Defenders have made a claim of responsibility and this is something that we are investigating. But at this early stage we have not ruled out a drugs motive."
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from throughout the political arena, with North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds describing the murder as a “brutal slaying” that would only increase tensions at an “already difficult and volatile time”.
Alban Maginness of the SDLP added that the murder had shocked both sides of the community on a day when a major community relations initiative had been announced by the First and Deputy First Ministers.
Earlier on Monday, two teenagers escaped an apparently sectarian attack, when a pipe bomb was thrown over the peace line at the sectarian interface between Hillman Street and Duncairn Gardens in north Belfast. (CL)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 February 2023
'Look North' To Celebrate Heritage Of North Belfast
A new festival to celebrate the heritage and creative talents of north Belfast, Look North, has been announced for 24-26 February, 2023.
'Look North' To Celebrate Heritage Of North Belfast
A new festival to celebrate the heritage and creative talents of north Belfast, Look North, has been announced for 24-26 February, 2023.
06 January 2023
PSNI 'Increasingly Concerned' For Missing North Belfast Man
The PSNI are increasingly concerned for a missing north Belfast man who may have travelled towards Larne. 39-year-old C Brady was last seen in the Skegoniel area at around 5.30pm on 05 January. He is believed to have travelled towards Larne in a silver Toyota Yaris, registration number FFZ 5221.
PSNI 'Increasingly Concerned' For Missing North Belfast Man
The PSNI are increasingly concerned for a missing north Belfast man who may have travelled towards Larne. 39-year-old C Brady was last seen in the Skegoniel area at around 5.30pm on 05 January. He is believed to have travelled towards Larne in a silver Toyota Yaris, registration number FFZ 5221.
30 May 2007
Ritchie says regeneration is 'more than bricks and mortar'
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA has urged communities in North Belfast to grasp the opportunity to create a legacy of community renewal from EU funded initiatives.
Ritchie says regeneration is 'more than bricks and mortar'
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA has urged communities in North Belfast to grasp the opportunity to create a legacy of community renewal from EU funded initiatives.
27 June 2019
Residents Have Their Say On Health & Wellbeing
Local stakeholders in north Belfast have met today to discuss the results of research into the health and wellbeing of over 1,000 residents in the area. Political representatives, statutory bodies, community groups and the charity sector met at Girdwood Community Hub today, Thursday 27 June, to address the issue.
Residents Have Their Say On Health & Wellbeing
Local stakeholders in north Belfast have met today to discuss the results of research into the health and wellbeing of over 1,000 residents in the area. Political representatives, statutory bodies, community groups and the charity sector met at Girdwood Community Hub today, Thursday 27 June, to address the issue.
16 February 2015
Residents Evacuated In North Belfast Alert
Residents have been forced to evacuate their homes in north Belfast following a report of a suspicious object in the area. The homes in Clifton Crescent were evacuated after the report of an object in the area on Monday afternoon. An army bomb squad has been tasked to the scene and the area has been closed to traffic.
Residents Evacuated In North Belfast Alert
Residents have been forced to evacuate their homes in north Belfast following a report of a suspicious object in the area. The homes in Clifton Crescent were evacuated after the report of an object in the area on Monday afternoon. An army bomb squad has been tasked to the scene and the area has been closed to traffic.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A fine dry days weather with sunshine quite widespread, particularly from mid-morning. Temperatures best across southern districts. North to northwesy breezes occasionally freshening around the coasts. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Most dry with good clear spells bringing a rural frost in the south for some. Cloudier around northern coasts where the odd light shower may develop. Northerly breezes persisting. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
