POLICE IN NORTHERN Ireland have arrested a man in connection with the murder of a known loyalist.
35-year-old Colin Horner was shot repeatedly by a single attacker in the carpark of a shopping centre in Bangor, Co Down, on Sunday last, 28 May.
Horner had been trying to protect his three-year-old son at the time of the killing.
A 28-year-old man has now been arrested in connection with the crime, the PSNI has confirmed.
“Detectives from PSNI Serious Crime Branch have arrested a 28-year-old man in the Newtownards area in relation to the murder of Colin Horner,” a PSNI spokesperson said.
He has been taken to Musgrave Police Station and is currently assisting police with their enquiries.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Supt Richard Campbell previously described the shooting of Horner as a “hugely barbaric act and something that will undoubtedly live with this young boy for the rest of his life”.
The Belfast Telegraph reported that Horner was a well-known loyalist and friend of South East Antrim UDA boss Geordie Gilmore, who was also murdered in March.
Horner was driving a black Nissan Pulsar car, registration XFZ 4706 and arrived in the car park around 2.30pm on 28 May.
Campbell said, “I am keen to trace his movements during that one hour period.
I am also keen to establish the movements of a red Ford Mondeo car which was seen speeding away from the scene around 2.50pm just after Mr Horner was shot. I believe one of its occupants was wearing a dark hoodie type top mask with possibly a dust mask covering his face.
“This vehicle bore the registration GKZ 7996 but we have established these were false number plates. It was later found burnt out at Kerrs Road, in the Six Road Ends area of Bangor, close to a local equestrian centre.
“Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives in Bangor or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 08 00 555 111”.
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