Police arrest fourth suspect over murder of Joseph Reynolds 20 years ago

ANTI-TERROR cops investigating the murder of Joseph Reynolds in east Belfast two decades ago have made a further arrest.

A 41-year-old man was detained on Tuesday during a dawn swoop in east Belfast.

The suspect was whisked away for questioning at the serious Crime Suite in Antrim.

He can be held for up to 48 hours before being charged, released or police can apply to a court for an extension to his period of detention.

The suspect is the fourth UVF suspect arrest within the past month about the Catholic man’s sectarian murder.

Mr Reynolds, a 40-year-old from west Belfast, was travelling to work when his van was ambushed by UVF gunmen on Sydenham Road on October 12, 1993.

Mr Reynolds, who was a Catholic and a subcontractor painter, was on his way to Shorts aircraft factory with a number of workmates, when their vehicle was attacked.

Three others were injured in the early morning gun attack.

Their van had stopped at a pedestrian crossing on Sydenham Road around 8.25 am to allow two men to cross the road.

Police appeal for information about Joseph Reynolds murder

The men, who were wearing blue boiler suits and flat caps, walked across the road at Fraser Street, but when they drew level with the van, they opened fire with a handgun and a rifle.

Last month, the police announced they were reopening the investigation into Mr Reynolds’ murder.

No one has been charged in connection with Mr Reynolds’ murder.