Revenge murder victim Kevin McGuigan shot dead outside his home in east Belfast

DETECTIVES from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team (MIT probing the murder  of former Provo Kevin McGuigan have arrested two people in east Belfast.

The 53-year-old was cut down in a hail of bullets at his home at Comber Court in the Short Strand on Wednesday night in front of his wife Dolores.

A PSNI spokesman said a 44-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman were arrested “as part of the overall investigation”.

A number of searches have also been carried out in a bid to trace the guns used in the killing,

McGuigan, a father-of-nine, was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital but died a short time later.

Police believe two men shot him several times in the head and chest at point blank range before fleeing on foot.

The killing is believed to have been revenge for the murder in May in the Markets district of IRA chief Jock Davison.

The finger of suspicion has been pointed at the IRA who set up its own internal investigation after Davison’s murder.

However, Sinn Fein have denied that the Provisional IRA were involved in the killing and are to seek a meeting with police chiefs over the murder.

Another line of enquiry for MIT detectives is a shadowy republican group calling itself Action Against Drugs.

Last week it warned that it would hunt down and kill those behind the murder of Jock Davison.

The officer leading the murder investigation, Detective Chief Inspector John McVea from MIT said: “This was a ruthless and premeditated killing, carried out in front of Mr McGuigan’s wife Dolores outside their home.

“At this point we believe two men were involved in the murder, approaching Comber Court on foot.

“They fired at Mr McGuigan from point blank range, striking him a number of times in the head and chest. They had their faces covered and were wearing dark clothing. Afterwards, they ran off.

“We need to hear from anyone who has information about the events of last night, about the movements of the gunmen both leading up to and immediately after the shooting.”

“I am aware of speculation around a possible motive for this murder.

“Mr McGuigan was spoken to by police as part of the investigation into the murder of Jock Davison last May.

“But he was spoken to as a potential witness, not a suspect. At this point in time, that remains the position. Speculation is not helpful and is potentially dangerous.

“People should allow the police investigation to take its course and provide any information they have to detectives.

“I would also appeal to those with influence in the community to use all their efforts to reduce tension and appeal for calm and restraint at this very difficult time.”

A special incident room has been set up at Musgrave police station.

Anyone with information can contact detectives by using the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, people can provide information anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.