A MAN is being questioned a bout the killing of a loyalist in a pub in Ballymena, Co Antrim. Mr Tommy Sheppard was shot dead in the Towers Tavern on the Ballee Estate on Thursday night.
He was standing near the bar when two men opened fire, hitting him three times in the head and body. He died instantly.
Mr Sheppard, a married man in his 40s, is from Coleraine, Co Derry.
He had a criminal record and was known to have UVF links. Relatives yesterday declined to talk about the attack. It is believed that Mr Sheppard's family may issue a statement after his funeral.
An RUC Superintendent, Mr Eddie Mercer, said: "We are keeping an open mind on the motive. We certainly do not believe it is sectarian."
Security sources said they believed that loyalist paramilitaries were involved.
The RUC yesterday removed the main doors of the pub for forensic examination. The attackers had kicked them in after the shooting.
An RUC spokesman described it as "a shocking and brutal murder".
The killing was also condemned by the Ulster Unionist Lord Mayor of Ballymena, the Rev Robert Coulter, and by SDLP councillors Mr P.J. McEvoy and Mr Declan O'Lone.