A MURDER victim was shot through a window of his home in front of his family by two gunmen, police have said.
A shot was also fired at the sister of victim Mark Hall, passing through a handbag and narrowly missing her as she stood in the street outside.
Mr Hall was shot on Rodney Drive in the St James's area of west Belfast shortly after 4.30pm on Saturday.
He was taken to hospital with gunshot wounds but was later pronounced dead.
Police have launched a murder investigation.
The PSNI has asked anyone with information about the shooting to call on the non-emergency number 101.
According to reports, Mr Hall was recently acquitted of charges involving the possession of firearms and drugs.
He was arrested last year over the alleged possession a sawn-off shotgun, pistol and ammunition in Belfast.
He also faced two counts of possessing a Class A drug and one of possessing a Class C drug, but was acquitted of all charges.
Police last night confirmed that Mr Hall was known to them.
"Mark's sister, who was returning from some local shops, saw the gunmen approach the house and tried to intervene before a number of shots were fired through the front window, striking and fatally wounding Mark," Detective Superintendent Eamonn Corrigan said.
"A number of family members were present in the room when these shots were fired, all narrowly missing injury. As the gunmen made off, a shot was fired at Mark's sister which passed through her handbag. She is lucky to be alive today."
The two men were armed with handguns and fired at least seven shots, Mr Corrigan said.
"Mark was taken to hospital and despite the efforts of paramedics he died a short time later as a result of his injuries. Our thoughts are very much with his entire family who are in a state of absolute shock and grieving for their loved one. No family should ever have to go through this unbelievable heartbreak," he added.
"There is no place for guns and reckless violence on our streets The thoughtless actions of these gunmen could have resulted in a greater loss of life."
Mr Hall's cousin Sinead Brownlee wrote on Facebook she was "devastated" by the death.
"Literally couldn't put anything into words last night. Not only my cousin but my big brother. My heart is broken hearing the news. We only made plans last week to meet up so I could meet your princess. You where always there for me even when my dad was sick you made it your business to be there. I'm devastated the worst way possible to be taken from us."
People Before Profit West Belfast MLA Gerry Carroll said the shooting was "horrific".
"I have been on the ground speaking with residents in the St James area and they are disgusted and outraged that a gun has been used once again in our community," he said.
"There is absolutely justification for these heinous acts. My thoughts tonight are with the victim, their family, and everyone impacted by this barbaric and tragic incident."
SDLP west Belfast Representative Paul Doherty said: "This incident has been deeply shocking and distressing to the St James's community.
"There is no place in our society for violence.
"Of course, the thoughts of the whole community will first and foremost be with the victim after this heinous attack.
"I would encourage anyone with information to come forward and assist the PSNI with their inquiries."
