

An Ulster loyalist has been shot dead in Belfast. The fatal shooting occurred in the Ballysillan area of north Belfast at about 9.50pm on Sunday night.

It is understood that the killing is connected to a feud within the Ulster Defence Association (UDA), the loyalist paramilitary organisation.

There have been violent clashes in recent months between the two rival UDA factions with the trouble centred on Carrickfergus on the East Antrim coast outside Belfast.

The victim has been named locally as John “Bonzer” Boland.

Northern Ireland secretary James Brokenshire said he was “concerned to hear of the fatal shooting in north Belfast”, adding, “there is no place for violence in communities”.

First minister Arlene Foster said she was, “shocked and disgusted” and urged “everyone to work with the police as they investigate.”