Police in West Belfast are currently investigating a murder attempt that took place in the Poleglass area. The victim, 49-year-old Sean O’Reilly, was shot twice by two masked gunmen while sitting inside a stationary white Skoda Octavia taxi in the Bell Steel Manor area of Dunmurry. In an effort to gather more information and potentially identify the perpetrators, detectives have released images of a high-visibility vest and a baseball cap that may have been worn by one of the gunmen.
Seizing Firearms and Evidence
In a recent update, Detective Chief Inspector Gina Quinn of the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team emphasized the seriousness of the crime and urged the public to come forward with any information they may have. Following the shooting, searches were conducted in the west Belfast area, leading to the seizure of firearms, a Hi-Vis yellow jacket, and a dark-colored baseball cap. These items, along with the weapons, will undergo forensic examination to determine if they can be linked to any specific individual involved in the attack.
Public Appeal for Information
Inspector Quinn described the shooting as a “ruthless attack” that occurred in broad daylight, underscoring the gravity of the situation. She expressed gratitude for the community’s support thus far and urged anyone with even the smallest piece of information to come forward. The police are asking individuals who may have witnessed the incident or have relevant photos, videos, or footage to contact them immediately. Information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers or directly to detectives working on the case.
As investigations continue, authorities are committed to bringing those responsible to justice and ensuring the safety of the community. With further searches planned in the west Belfast area, the police are hopeful that additional evidence may come to light, helping to piece together the events surrounding the violent attack. Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to the authorities using the provided contact details, as every bit of information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could prove crucial in solving the case.
Please contact detectives on 101 and quote reference 664 of 23/02/25 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org to share any information you may have. Additionally, photos and footage related to the incident can be submitted through the Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI25U04-PO1. Your cooperation could be instrumental in bringing justice to the victim and closure to the community impacted by this senseless act of violence.
