TWO PEOPLE HAVE been arrested in connection with the murder of a man in Belfast.

Police in Belfast have arrested a 27-year-old man and 24 year old woman – both from the Belfast area – in connection with the murder of 31-year-old Christopher Mackin.

A man and woman also arrested on Friday in connection with Mackin’s murder remain in custody.

On Thursday night at 9.20pm police received reports of several shots heard and a man injured in the area of College Square North of West Belfast.

Despite the best efforts of police and ambulance crews at the scene the man was pronounced dead at hospital a short time later.

He was named as 31 year old Christopher Mackin who lived just off College Square North.

At a press conference on Friday, senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector John McVea said:

We are specifically appealing for anyone who may have been in the area around this time last night and who may have witnessed any specific activity or vehicles in the area. We are particularly appealing for anyone who may have witnessed a light coloured car seen leaving the area around the time of the murder as they may have information which could assist us with our inquiries.

We are keeping an open mind to the motive at this time and are currently looking at a number of lines of inquiry. We can rule out a paramilitary involvement at this stage.

Police are asking for information from the public in relation to a car that may have been involved.

A silver Renault Clio, registration number ELZ 7444, was seen in the Divis Street and College Square North areas around 9.20pm, the time of the murder.

The car was later found burnt out in Wyndham Street, off the Cliftonville Road in North Belfast.

It is thought the Renault Clio has been in the Belfast area for the last few weeks and sightings have been reported at a car park at Candahar Lodge on the Ormeau Road.

Anyone who has information on this car and its movements or the murder of Christopher Mackin is urged to contact detectives in North Queen Street on 028 9056 1812 or alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and speak to them anonymously.