‘More violence is not the answer’: PSNI urges dissidents not to retaliate following shooting of Sean O’Reilly

The PSNI has urged any group plotting to avenge an attempted murder of a dissident republican yesterday morning to “desist”, as further searches were carried out this afternoon.

It comes after a shooting on Sunday in which dissident republican Sean O’Reilly was targeted while sitting in his car.

In an updated media briefing on Monday afternoon, police said officers would remain at the scene for the foreseeable future.

Fears have been growing following the shooting of a violent retaliation amid an escalating feud between members of the dissident gang Oglaigh na hEireann (ONH).

In response to those concerns today, PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Gina Quinn said “more violence is not the answer” and said anyone with information should bring it to police.

“I’m aware of media speculation involving retaliation, and I really would urge anyone to desist, and [I] appeal for people in the community, anybody who has information in relation to what has happened or what may be, to come to us with the information.

“I would urge anyone to desist in any form of retaliation,” she added.

The PSNI carried out a major search in the Poleglass area of the city on Monday afternoon.

Sean O’Reilly was sitting in his car outside the taxi firm where he works in the Bell Steel Manor area of Poleglass, when shortly before 10.30am yesterday.

Police say he was approached by two masked men.

Five shots were fired at him, hitting him once in the shoulder.

The victim was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital where he is in a stable condition.

Forensic detectives attended the scene alongside armed response teams.

There has been a continued police presence in the area today, and this afternoon at around 3pm officers from the PSNI’s specialist Tactical Support Group carried out a “finger tip” search close to the scene of the shooting.

Speaking to the media, the PSNI’s Gina Quinn said: “Shortly before 10.30am on Sunday morning, police received a report that a man had been shot in the Bell Steel Manor area of Dunmurry.

“Two masked gunmen approached a stationary white Skoda Octavia taxi, and fired a number of shots through the window.

“The victim, a 49-year-old man, was struck twice before making his way on foot to a local taxi depot. Police arrived at the scene and the man was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries, where he remains and is described as being in a stable condition.

“The two suspects made off from the scene prior to police arrival. One man was described as being dressed in dark clothing and the second described as wearing a yellow coat.

“This is a disturbing incident which occurred in a residential area in broad daylight on a Sunday morning. The gunmen gave no thought whatsoever to the risk posed to the local people who live in the community when they carried out this attack.

“Our investigation is ongoing and a scene remains in the Bell Steel Manor area this afternoon. I know the local community is in shock, but I want to reassure the public that we are taking this extremely seriously and will maintain a visible policing presence in the area over the coming days.

“There is no place in our society for this kind of shocking crime, and we are committed to finding those responsible.

“We will go where the evidence takes us and over the coming days myself and my team will be working hard to piece together all the available information – but we need help from the public to do this.

“I appeal to anyone who was in the area of Bell Steel Manorwho witnessed any suspicious activity in the hours before or immediately after the shooting to contact police.

“Anyone with any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, can contact us on 101 and quote reference 664 of 23/02/25,” added Detective Chief Inspector Quinn.

Police remain at shooting scene in Poleglass area of west Belfast