Three men arrested in John Boreland murder investigation

Detectives investigating the murder of prominent loyalist John Boreland in north Belfast last month have this morning arrested three men.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Sep 2016, 09:44 BST
Updated 4th Oct 2016, 14:08 BST
John Boreland. UDA leader who was shot dead in BelfastJohn Boreland. UDA leader who was shot dead in Belfast
John Boreland. UDA leader who was shot dead in Belfast

One man was arrested in Scotland and the other two were detained in north Belfast.

A PSNI spokesman said all three are being questioned at Musgrave police station in Belfast.

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The spokesman said the suspect arrested in Scotland is aged 29-year-old man who was detained in the north Ayrshire area with assistance from officers in Police Scotland.

Searches of two properties in north Ayrshire are also being conducted.

Meanwhile the men arrested in Belfast are aged 33-years and 61-years.

John Boreland, 46, was shot a number of times on August 7 as he got out of his car to walk to his flat in Sunningdale Gardens in north Belfast.

He died at the scene.

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Detective Chief Inspector Justyn Galloway from PSNI Serious Crime Branch said: “Officers have travelled to Scotland to assist colleagues from Police Scotland with the arrest and related searches.

“The investigation is progressing and I would again appeal for information about a silver Renault Megane car which was used by the killers. The car, registration number GJZ 4870, was in the Ballysillan area of north Belfast in the days leading up to the murder on Sunday 7 August.

“We are still very keen to hear from anyone who saw it, saw who was in it and where it had been parked. We are re-issuing two photos of a similar vehicle to enhance our appeal.

“We are also interested in talking to anyone who saw the Megane between the Sunday night of the shooting and when it was found partially burnt out at the old quarry on Wheelers Road near Lisburn on the morning of Tuesday 9 August.

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“The car has been the subject of a detailed forensic examination and I would ask anyone with information about the vehicle to contact detectives on the non-emergency number 101 or use the independent charity Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 where they can provide information anonymously.”

One man was arrested in Belfast in the immediate aftermath of the murder but later released unconditionally.

Previously, a number of searches were carried out in Belfast and a vehicle was seized.

Related topics:BelfastScotlandPSNIPolice Scotland