Man questioned over killings is released without charge

A man who was questioned by police in connection with the murders of two loyalists in Belfast on Saturday was released yesterday…

A man who was questioned by police in connection with the murders of two loyalists in Belfast on Saturday was released yesterday evening without charge.

Mr Jackie Coulter, a senior Ulster Defence Association member, and Mr Bobby Mahood were shot in north Belfast on Monday afternoon.

The man who was questioned yesterday was arrested on the Shankill Road on Tuesday.

Witnesses to the killings said they were carried out by a lone gunman. The killings led to violence that culminated in the arrest of the UDA's west Belfast commander Johnny Adair.

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Hundreds are expected to attend today's funeral of Mr Mahood from his home on Snugville Street at 1.30 p.m. Mr Mahood had connections with the Ulster Volunteer Force in the past and it is understood his family has requested there be no paramilitary trappings at the service.

His brother, Mr Bobby Mahood, was a member of the political wing of the UVF, the PUP. He left the party's Stormont talks team three years ago and has since survived two attempts on his life by the UVF.

Full details of Mr Coulter's funeral, which will take place on the Crumlin Road at 3 p.m. tomorrow, have not been released. Almost half the death notices page of the Belfast Telegraph was taken up with notices for the two men.

Meanwhile, a 26-year-old man is expected to appear at Belfast Magistrates' Court today charged with possession of arms and ammunition with intent to endanger life. It is understood the charges relate to an RUC seizure of five weapons at Brookmount Street, off the Shankill Road, on Monday afternoon. The seizure took place while UDA members were reported to be patrolling the area after the killings of Mr Mahood and Mr Coulter.

Three men were arrested - one was released and the other was still being questioned yesterday evening.

Under section 14 of the British Prevention of Terrorism Act anyone held on charges relating to terrorism may be detained without charge for up to five days. Three other men were detained and arms and ammunition were seized by police on Monday in an operation off the Lisburn Road in south Belfast. One was charged last night and is expected to appear at Belfast Magistrates' Court today charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life. The other two men were released without charge.