Birmingham: Man Shot Dead In Pub Named

The victim of a fatal pub shooting has been named by police as a 33-year-old father Marlon O'Reilly.

Police are searching for the killer who opened fire in the Dovecote pub in Cockshut Hill, Birmingham, at around 5.45pm on Friday.

Inspector Derek Packham, senior investigating officer, said: "Marlon was enjoying a Friday evening drink with his friends when he was shot."

Chief Superintendent Alex Murray said: "We believe this may have been a targeted attack which happened in a busy pub in broad daylight this afternoon.

"At this stage we do not believe this is connected with any other incident. Local officers are at the scene and are being supported by armed police.

"This would have been a shocking incident for witnesses and will have a huge impact on the local community.

"I want to reassure residents that we are working hard to find the person responsible for this attack and are following a number of lines of enquiry at this early stage."

The motive for the attack remains unclear.

Crime officers were still combing the inside of the pub for clues surrounding the murder, which has shocked locals.

A large cordon around the mainly residential area, which remained in place overnight, has now been removed.

Bunches of flowers from friends and loved ones have been left outside the pub.

A card on one read: "Marlon, you will never be forgotten, always in our hearts and thoughts."

Another read: "Goodnight, God bless" with another mourner addressing their card "to 'my brother' Marlon", while a solitary black balloon displayed the words "A true gent - RIP".

A white forensics tent has been put up around the pub entrance, while police remain guarding the scene.

The pub's website describes it as a "local community pub, offering a friendly, relaxed atmosphere".

It goes on: "We are cheap and definitely cheerful. We have darts on a Thursday night, dominoes on a Tuesday night and a quiz Sunday night."

The pub is run by national chain the Stonegate Pub Company.

A spokesman for Stonegate said none of the staff had been hurt in the incident.

A statement read: "We confirm an incident took place at the Dovecote, Birmingham.

"This is currently being investigated by the police and we are assisting them with their enquiries.

"The pub is currently closed and (will) remain so while the investigation continues."

Any witnesses or anyone with information about what happened should speak to officers at the scene or call police on 101.

Anyone who doesn't want to speak to a police officer directly can call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.