Gerard ‘Jock’ Davison: Unusual gun used in ex-IRA chief’s killing

An unusual Eastern European-made gun was used to shoot an ex-IRA commander dead in Belfast.

Gerard “Jock” Davison died in the Markets area earlier this month. His killer shot him from behind before, standing over him, discharging four more rounds into his head.

The 47-year-old was shot as he walked along a street in the staunchly republican estate, close to the city centre.

PSNI Det Supt Kevin Geddes said: "The weapon and bullets used were an Eastern European type called Makarov.

“These 9mm bullets are unusual in as much as they will not work in most types of Western handgun. They are a slightly different size and can only be fired using a Makarov-type gun.

"This type of weapon and ammunition are extremely rare in Northern Ireland. "

Police appealed for information about the murder on the BBC Crimewatch programme on Tuesday evening.

Mr Davison, a grandfather and father-of-three, was targeted as he walked along Welsh Street towards a community centre on May 9th.

Gunman’s movements

In this latest appeal, police disclosed new details about the gunman’s movements and the weapon used.

He is described by witnesses as being about 5ft 6in and wearing a dark hooded rain jacket. He made his escape up an alleyway towards Stanfield Place, police said.

Mr Geddes added: “We also believe the gunman may have been in the area some time before the shooting. A man fitting a similar description was seen standing at the junction of Welsh Street and McAuley Street at around 8.40am.

“A similar man was also seen with a red-and-white carrier bag, holding it with two hands on Welsh Street. They may be different people and they may be innocent members of the public.

“Either way, we need them to come forward so that they can be ruled out of our inquiries.”

Many people park cars in the area before walking to work. Police appealed again to anyone who did so on the morning of the killing to contact detectives.

The investigating officer added: “We are appealing for anyone who has any information about the murder, or who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area in the days and weeks leading up to the murder to contact us.

“We need to get this gun off the streets and apprehend the killer.”

Well-known republican figure

As a former IRA officer commanding in Belfast, Mr Davison had been one of the best-known republican figures in the city.

He backed Sinn Féin's peace process strategy following the 1998 Belfast Agreement and was employed with the Markets Development Association as a community worker.

He was allegedly involved in the row that led to the death of Belfast man Robert McCartney in January 2005 and was among three IRA members expelled following an internal investigation in the wake of the death. He was questioned by police but released without charge.

Mr McCartney’s sisters, who were forced to move out of the nearby Short Strand, led a long-running battle for justice for the killing of their brother.

The death happened at a time when Sinn Féin was under pressure to accept the rule of law in Northern Ireland. Its decision to support the police two years later led to the formation of a ministerial executive at Stormont and the sharing of power between republicans and the DUP.

Mr Davison's uncle, Terence Davison, was later acquitted of Mr McCartney's killing.

Press Association