Malcolm McKeown shot dead at rear of Co Down petrol station on Monday

DETECTIVES investigating the murder of 54 year old Malcolm McKeown in Waringstown on Monday night (19 August) have arrested a 30 year old man on suspicion of murder.

He has been taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite.

He remains in custody being questioned by detectives.

Two searches have been completed and two are still ongoing in the Lurgan and Waringstown areas.

McKeown was a senior loyalist gangster peddling drugs in Co Down and north Armagh.

One theory being investigated is that he was shot dead by a rival drug gang in the area.

The PSNI’s Detective Chief Inspector Peter Montgomery said: “Mr McKeown, who was a father of three, was shot in cold blood in broad daylight and I have now launched a murder investigation.

“I know that Mr McKeown entered the shop at Dewarts Garage at approx. 7.15pm on Monday and when he came out he walked to his vehicle parked to the side of the garage. It was around this time that the gunman or gunmen shot him.

“Were you in Dewarts Garage or in Waringstown Main Street on Monday between 6pm-7:30pm.

“Did you see Mr McKeown’s vehicle, a silver coloured BMW VRM, registration XEZ 5518.

“Do you have Dashcam footage on your vehicle?

“I am appealing for information about anyone witnessed in and around the filling station that night between 6pm-7:30pm.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who saw Mr McKeown at any stage during Monday.

Detective Chief Inspector Montgomery added that his investigation is at an early stage and is keeping an open mind as to the motive for the murder.

“A blue coloured car was seen leaving the scene and subsequently a VW Passat, registration VRM RK62 PLX was found burnt out on the Glenavon Road in Lurgan later on Monday night.

“Did you see this vehicle or any people with the vehicle. If so do you know where they went?

“I am appealing for anyone with information that could potentially assist our investigation to please get in touch by calling 101.

“Or alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”