Three people have been arrested by detectives investigating the murder of a retired police officer in Northern Ireland.
The body of William Kennedy, 65, was discovered at his home in Ahoghill, Co Antrim by his daughter on Christmas Eve.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said Mr Kennedy suffered a "brutal and vicious" death.
The arrests were made as officers carried out a series of searches in Ahoghill.
It is understood Mr Kennedy, a former sergeant, left the old RUC on health grounds 15 years ago after spending 30 years in the force.
He was found at his home in the Brookfield Gardens area of the village, which he only moved into about four months ago.
He was described by neighbours as a quiet man who used a walking stick to move around, but was rarely seen outside his home.
Mr Kennedy had lived alone after separating from his wife some years ago.