25 Years On: Remembering Gavin Brett as Police Renew Appeal in North Belfast

This week marks 25 years since the tragic death of Gavin Brett, an 18-year-old local young man who was brutally killed in a drive-by shooting near Glengormley. On the night of July 29, 2001, Gavin was standing with a group of friends near the entrance of a GAA club opposite Hollybrook Road when loyalist gunmen opened fire from a passing car. Tragically, Gavin lost his life at the scene, while another 18-year-old friend suffered a gunshot wound to the ankle. Gunmen had targeted the group under the false assumption that Gavin was Catholic because of the friends he was spending the evening with.

In a deeply tragic turn of events that night, Gavin's father, Michael, an active paramedic, was called out to respond to the shooting on Hightown Road, completely unaware that the victim he was rushing to save was his own teenage son. Michael spent the rest of his life carrying the overwhelming weight and guilt of being unable to save Gavin that night. He passed away in 2007, having never seen his son's killers brought to justice. Gavin's mother, Phyllis, and his brother, North Belfast MLA Philip Brett, alongside their wider family, have continued to carry the memory of Gavin and the tragic cost of violence in the area.

Tributes have been paid across the community on this milestone anniversary. The SEFF Victims and Survivors group offered their ongoing thoughts and prayers to the Brett family, emphasizing that the community stands with them today and every day. Local MP Carla Lockhart also reflected on the futility of terrorism and the devastating impact on the family, noting how this profound loss continues to drive Philip Brett in his dedicated work as an elected representative championing the people of North Belfast.

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Legacy Investigation Branch have reiterated their appeal for information regarding the night of the attack. Investigators recalled that a dark-coloured saloon car travelled from the Upper Hightown Road direction toward Glengormley when the shots were fired. Shortly before the shooting, a Vauxhall vehicle was seen driving recklessly near Sandyknowes Roundabout, and the following day, a dark blue Vauxhall Nova saloon was discovered burnt out behind shops at Ballyearl Drive in New Mossley.

Although several arrests have been made over the past quarter of a century, no one has yet been convicted for Gavin's murder. Police stress that despite the passage of time, it is never too late for anyone with vital information to step forward and help bring long-awaited closure to the Brett family. Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101, submit a report via the online non-emergency form, or speak anonymously to Crimestoppers.