Police hunting killers who shot a man dead in West Belfast before opening fire on his sister believe they arrived in a car with a taxi sign on the roof.
In a fresh appeal for information issued on Saturday, detectives investigating the murder of Mark Hall are asking for people who might have images of the vehicle to upload it to a special portal.
The 31-year-old was fatally wounded on December 18 when two gunmen fired a number of shots through a front room window at his family home on Rodney Drive.
Detectives from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team made the renewed appeal for information when they visited the St James’ area today.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness said: “Mark Hall was murdered on the afternoon of Saturday 18th December 2021. Two gunmen approached his family home in Rodney Drive shortly after 4.30pm and fired a number of shots through the front window, striking and wounding Mark. He was taken to hospital, but sadly later died.
“This tragic event took place five weeks ago, that’s one week before Christmas. It has left Mark’s partner bereft, and his young daughter without a father. The whole family are, understandably, struggling to come to terms with the shock and unspeakable heartache.
“Some family members were present in the room when the shots were fired and, as the gunmen made off, a shot narrowly missed Mark’s sister, passing through her handbag. The gunmen were absolutely reckless in firing shots into a room with other family members.
“One life has been taken and, without doubt, others could easily have been lost too. I’m referring to Mark’s sister, to the other family members, and to local people. This happened in a busy residential area at a time when people would have been out and about, going about their business, and no doubt getting ready for what should have been a happy Christmas.
“This was a callous and targeted attack, which has left a whole community in shock.
“We believe that the two gunmen arrived in the St James’ area in a silver saloon car which had a taxi sign affixed to its roof. Both gunmen were wearing all dark clothing with coat hoods pulled over their faces. I am appealing to anyone who was in the Rodney Drive area and who witnessed any suspicious activity, or who may have captured dash cam footage, to contact us.
“You can contact detectives on 101; or you can submit information - photos, videos or footage - using our Major Incident Public Portal. The link is: mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI21Q23-PO1.
“If anyone has information, I would ask you to search your conscience and come forward. This can also be done with 100% anonymity via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”
A 37-year-old man and a 65-year-old man arrested by detectives investigating the murder were both ‘released on bail pending further enquiries’.
