Police believe a senior member of a paramilitary group in Northern Ireland was murdered as a result of Loyalist in-fighting.

John Boreland, 46, was shot several times outside his home in Sunningdale Gardens in the unionist Ballysillan area of north Belfast at around 9.50pm on Sunday.

The Ulster Defence Association (UDA) member had survived a previous murder attempt when he was shot in the thigh by rival Loyalists two years ago.

The killing of the father-of-three has prompted fears of an escalation of violence between Loyalist factions, and police have increased patrols in the area.

The officer leading the murder investigation said the main lines of inquiry focused on "tensions within Loyalist groupings".


Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Detective Chief Inspector Justyn Galloway said Mr Boreland had been made aware of a fresh threat to his life in recent months.

Image: The scene after the shooting

He said: "John was known to police. He had been the victim of a previous shooting in 2014 and he was aware that he was under threat at the time of his murder."

The detective said the shooting involved an element of planning, but he would not be drawn on whether he believed the killing was carried out by fellow UDA members or other Loyalist paramilitary groups.

He did rule out a sectarian motive.

Sky News Ireland Correspondent David Blevins said: "We understand from reliable security sources that he was a former Loyalist paramilitary leader, a very prominent member of the outlawed Ulster Defence Association.

"I think it is worth stressing at this stage there has been some tension between that group and another Loyalist paramilitary faction, the outlawed Ulster Volunteer Force, in recent weeks

Image: The attack took place in the Sunningdale Gardens area of Belfast

"It's fairly safe I think to speculate that we could be witnessing the beginning of a feud between two different Loyalist terror groups but it's also worth reminding people that both of them are supposed to be on ceasefire."

Stormont First Minister Arlene Foster tweeted that she was "shocked and disgusted to hear of a murder in north Belfast".

"I urge everyone to work with the police as they investigate," she added.

Image: The attack took place in the Sunningdale Gardens area of Belfast

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness described the shooting as "shameless", adding: "There can be no justification for the murder of a well known Loyalist in north Belfast tonight.

"This was shameful and I unreservedly condemn it."

Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward. They are also keen to speak to anyone who spent time with Mr Boreland on Sunday as well as his wider circle of friends and associates.