Hoax alert delays Shoukri funeral
THE funeral has been held of loyalist Ihab Shoukri, despite a hoax security alert.
The 34-year-old was found dead in a house in the Rathcoole estate in Newtownabbey on Saturday night.
Among mourners was younger brother, Andre, who is currently serving a jail term at Maghaberry prison. He had been granted compassionate leave to attend the funeral.
Police confirmed the alert on the Oldpark Road in north Belfast, near the church where Mr Shoukri's funeral service was due to take place.
A police spokeswoman said Army technical officers had been tasked to inspect a suspicious object, which had subsequently been declared a hoax.
It is reported the notorious loyalist died from a drugs overdose, although it is believed the former UDA leader was susceptible to epileptic fits.
His death has not been treated as suspicious.
Shoukri was jailed for 15 months in June for his part in a UDA show of strength in a bar, but was released earlier this year.
The funeral took place in Holy Trinity Parish Church, Ballysillan, and interment followed in Carnmoney Cemetery.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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