Homeless man shot dead at Belfast homeless shelter

A man has died from a shotgun wound at a homeless shelter in West Belfast.

Police have not appealed for anybody else to come forward.

The victim, aged 46, was found dead at Simon Community premises on the Falls Road in the early hours of this morning. It is understood he had been using the shelter for some time and was a vulnerable individual.

SDLP councillor Colin Keenan expressed concern that a firearm had been used on the property.

“I want to seek assurances from organisations, including the Simon Community, as well as the police, that members of staff and residents will be given all the support they need to deal with the tragic events of this morning and also the need to secure their safety in the future,” he said.

A spokeswoman for the Simon Community refused to comment.

The shelter has eight full-time staff and provides 24-hour cover. It has 20 rooms.

A PSNI spokesman confirmed: “There was a fatal shooting at the property on the Falls Road.”