Prominent loyalist shot dead in north Belfast

Man killed is named as John Boreland, a member of the Ulster Defence Association

A police van at the scene in Sunningdale Gardens, north Belfast, after prominent loyalist John Boreland was shot dead. Photograph: David Young/PA Wire
A police van at the scene in Sunningdale Gardens, north Belfast, after prominent loyalist John Boreland was shot dead. Photograph: David Young/PA Wire

A prominent loyalist who was shot dead in Northern Ireland has been named.

John Boreland in his mid-40s was a member of the Ulster Defence Association.

The shooting happened in Sunningdale Gardens in the Ballysillan area of north Belfast at about 9.50pm on Sunday, police said.

Two years ago the victim was shot in the thigh by rival loyalists.

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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,” Ms Foster tweeted.

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

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness described the shooting as “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.”

Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire tweeted : “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.”

Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly condemned the shooting. “The people behind this attack want to plunge us back to the past. They must not be allowed to succeed,” he said.

He called on local political leaders “to do all in their power to prevent any further attacks or any escalation of what appears to be internal loyalist feuding.”

Press Association