Updated 9.08pm

A SENIOR MEMBER of a dissident republican group has died after being shot in the Springfield Road area of West Belfast this afternoon.

Tommy Crossan, 43, was brought to a fuel depot by a gunman and was shot in the head and body at close range.

A Catholic priest was called to give the last rites.

The shooting happened near the Peter Pan Industrial Estate, the PSNI confirmed.

Britain Northern Ireland Killing AP Photo / Peter Morrison AP Photo / Peter Morrison / Peter Morrison

Although no group has yet claimed responsibility, it is believed that the Continuity IRA, of which Crossan was a former leader, were behind the shooting. The group had threatened to kill Crossan in 2011 after he was expelled from the group.

Corssan spent five years in prison for a 1999 gun attack on a Belfast police station. He was attacked by rival prisoners while serving his sentence.

Britain Northern Ireland Killing A PSNI officer close to the scene of the shooting AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Additional reporting by Christine Bohan

Originally published 5.54pm

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Former senior member of the Continuity IRA shot dead on street in broad daylight

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.