Plea for information as man shot dead during warehouse robbery

Officers were called to Direct Source 3 Ltd, a distributor of soft drinks and other products to the catering industry, just before 6.40pm, after receiving reports that several masked men were robbing the premises.

Response officers were immediately dispatched to the scene and found 56-year-old Akhtar Javeed (pictured), who had suffered a gunshot wound.

Javeed is thought to have been a director of Direct Source 3.

He was rushed to hospital by paramedics but was pronounced dead a short time later. A forensic post mortem is being arranged. Officers believe that two men were involved and enquiries are on-going this morning to identify those responsible.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Martin Slevin, from Force CID, said: “At this early stage we believe this was a targeted robbery attempt at the business premises in Rea Street South, near to the junction with MacDonald Street.

“It happened at a time when other people may have been leaving work for the day and someone may have seen what happened or have important information about the suspects.

“If you have any information that could help our investigation, please get in touch as soon as possible."

Any witnesses should contact police on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.