Gavin Brett: Police issue new appeal in teenager murder case

Police investigating the murder of Gavin Brett from Newtownabbey have made a fresh appeal for information to mark the 23rd anniversary of Gavin Brett’s death.

The 18-year-old was shot dead on the Hightown Road in Glengormley, County Antrim, while chatting with a group of Catholic and Protestant friends.

The attack occurred on Sunday 29 July 2001 at around 11.20pm (BST) and was carried out by the Ulster Defence Association (UDA).

Although several people have been arrested in the years since Mr Brett’s murder, no one has been convicted.

According to police, Mr Brett was enjoying a pleasant evening with his friends when a dark sedan drove towards them from Upper Hightown Road.

As the car passed the friends, a passenger in the vehicle fired several shots in their direction and then fled at high speed towards Glengormley.

Mr. Brett was shot twice and died at the scene.

A second 18-year-old man was treated in hospital for a gunshot wound to the ankle.

Police said they knew two gunmen were involved in Mr Brett’s murder.

Det Ch Insp Byrne described the incident as a “brutal and harrowing attack on an innocent young man enjoying a night out with friends”.

“As part of our investigation at the time, a Vauxhall vehicle was observed driving recklessly at the Sandyknowes roundabout shortly before the attack,” said Det Ch Insp Byrne.

“One day later, on Monday 30 July, a dark blue Vauxhall Nova sedan was found burnt out behind shops on Ballyearl Drive, New Mossley.

“We also believe that this car was connected to the investigation.”

The senior officer added that he was appealing to “anyone who was in the Hollybrook Road area or surrounding streets before or after Gavin’s murder and may have seen the attackers to speak to police.”

He said that “despite the long time that has passed since Gavin’s murder, it is not too late.”

“Now if anyone feels they are able to talk to us about any information they may have, we are ready to listen.”

Mr Brett’s father Michael, a paramedic, was nearby when the shooting happened and tried in vain to help his son.

Michael Brett has also since died, “without ever seeing his son’s killers brought to justice,” said Det Ch Insp Byrne.

Mr Brett’s mother has asked anyone with information to “help my family find peace”.

“So much time has passed since my son was murdered. Someone needs to know who is responsible,” she said.