Image copyright PSNI Image caption Paul Smyth was found dead in Lisburn on Friday

Two men charged in connection with the death of Paul Smyth in Lisburn have been remanded in custody.

James McVeigh, 29, from Ward Avenue in Lisburn and James Holmes, 32, from Lawnmount Crescent in the town have been charged with two counts of attempted murder.

They have also been charged with possession of a firearm with intent.

It has emerged that Mr Smyth's body lay undiscovered for more than 48 hours.

The 50 year old was found covered in blood by a female friend in the living room of his house in Coulson Avenue at about 20:45 BST on Friday. He had been shot.

Image copyright PAcemaker Image caption From the left, James McVeigh, 29, from Ward Avenue in Lisburn and James Holmes, 32, from Lawnmount Crescent, also in Lisburn, have been charged with two counts of attempted murder

The two men charged were arrested in the Lisburn area on Tuesday and appeared in Lisburn Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Police also carried out searches at properties in the area and seized a number of items for examination.

On Wednesday, Det Ch Insp Michelle Shaw renewed an appeal for information.

"If you have information which could help us bring those responsible for Paul's murder to justice, please pick up the phone," she said.

A 49-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday, has been released unconditionally.

Two men, aged 28 and 32, and a 28-year-old woman have been released on bail pending further enquiries.