Two questioned over Danny McKay murder in Newtownabbey

Police investigating the murder of Danny McKay in Newtownabbey on Thursday night have arrested two men.

Mr McKay, 36, was shot dead at his home in the Longlands estate on the outskirts of north Belfast on Thursday night.

A 41-year-old and a 50-year-old man are being questioned.

Police have said they are investigating a possible links to drugs and the involvement of dissident republican paramilitaries in the murder.

DCI John McVea said it was a "brutal and ruthless attack".

"He was known to police, but not particularly well-known. Whatever Daniel may have done in his life, nothing merits this," he said.

Mr McKay, the father of a 10-year-old child, was shot several times as he sat alone on a sofa in his living room. He died at the scene. At least two armed men were involved in the attack.

DCI McVea said: "We are keeping an open mind as to who was involved and would appeal to anyone who knows which group or individuals were involved to contact detectives."

Police are investigating a link to a silver Volkswagen Bora which had been stolen by five masked men in the New Lodge area shortly before the shooting and was later found burnt out in Ardmoulin Place, west Belfast.