Man's body found in west Belfast

Police in Northern Ireland are investigating the death of a man in a flat in west Belfast.

Police in Northern Ireland are investigating the death of a man in a flat in west Belfast.

The body of 52-year-old Gerard Reid, known locally as “Rico”, was found in a property on Ardmonagh Parade on Thursday morning.

Following the results of a postmortem police began a murder inquiry.

Detective chief inspector Garry Eaton said: “We are particularly keen to trace Mr Reid’s movements on Wednesday afternoon and into the evening.

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“We believe he was in the Springfield Road area and we are keen to speak to anyone who has any knowledge as to his movements and whereabouts at this time.”

SDLP councillor for west Belfast Tim Attwood said the community was stunned at the murder.

“The people of Turf Lodge are totally shocked at this brutal murder on their doorsteps,” he said.

“West Belfast has endured enough trauma and heartache over the years due to futile murders and violence and the people in this area do not want to go down that road again.”

PA