Commenting after the victim was shot on the Springfield Road earlier today, Mr Lyttle said it was a sad night for Belfast, adding the murder was a reminder of the dark days of the troubles.
He said: “I condemn this attack, which has brought West Belfast – and the rest of Northern Ireland – a violent reminder of the past.
“We had all hoped we had left this type of violent behaviour firmly in the past and my thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends and the wider community as they come to terms with this shocking incident.
“Violence is never acceptable and those behind this devastating attack must be caught and dealt with by the courts.”