PSNI launch murder investigation into Belfast shooting

It happened at Comber Court in the Short Strand area on Wednesday evening.

The heartbroken mother of a prominent republican murdered in front of his home last night says she will pray for his killers.

It is understood he was injured in a paramilitary punishment style attack a number of years ago.

Mrs McGuigan added: “Too many murders have taken place in this country”.

Jock Davison was shot dead at point blank range in the same area of the city in May.

Gavin Robinson, a DUP MP for the East Belfast constituency, said there was “no justification” for the killing.

The victim has been named locally as Kevin McGuigan, a former IRA prisoner, who was in his early 50s.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness tweeted to say his thoughts are with the victim’s family and he unreservedly condemned the “appalling deed”.

Sinn Féin councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile condemned the shooting.

Police are now appealing for anyone who may have information to come forward.

“The community here rejects any attempt by any armed group to turn the clock back to the past”, he said.

“The perpetrator must be held to account for bringing this level of inhumanity and savagery back to our streets.In just two days a bomb has exploded near a children’s playing field in Derry and a man has been murdered in east Belfast”.