Murder victim Stephen Carson

DETECTIVES investigating the murder of Stephen Carson have charged a man with possession of a firearm in suspicious circumstances.

The 39-year-old is to face Belfast Magistrates’ Court this morning for a first remand hearing.

Mr Carson, 28, was shot dead in his house in Walmer Street in the Ormeau Road area last week.

Two west Belfast men faced the same court yesterday charged with Mr Carson’s murder.

Michael Smyth, 37, from Ardmonagh Gardens, and David Smyth, 32, from Monagh Drive appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court.

A judge was forced to clear the court for a time as police were called in to restore order and move members of the public out during the hearing.

There was uproar shouting when the defendants appeared in the dock.

When the court resumed the two defendants were remanded in custody to appear in court again via video link later this month.