Loyalist Boreland had survived previous murder bid

UDA member John Boreland, who was in his mid-forties, was gunned down in Sunningdale Gardens in the unionist Ballysillan area of north Belfast at around 9.50pm on Sunday.

Two years ago the victim, who was heavily linked with local criminality, was shot in the thigh by rival loyalists.

The killing has prompted fears of an escalation of violence between loyalist factions.

First Minister Arlene Foster, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire have all condemned the killing.

“Shocked and disgusted to hear of a murder in nth Belfast tonight,” Mrs Foster tweeted.

“I urge everyone to work with the police as they investigate.”

Mr McGuinness branded the shooting “shameless”.

“There can be no justification for the murder of a well known Loyalist in N.Belfast tonight,” he tweeted.

“This was shameful & I unreservedly condemn it.”

Mr Brokenshire said on Twitter: “Concerned to hear of fatal shooting in N Belfast. No place for violence in communities. Urge anyone with info to contact PSNI.”

Ulster Unionist member of the Northern Ireland Policing Board Ross Hussey said: “I am very saddened to hear of a fatal shooting in north Belfast.

“Murder is murder and cannot be justified. It must be condemned.

“I would urge anyone with information to contact the police so that those responsible can be brought to justice.”