The Red Hand Defenders, a cover-name for the UDA, has claimed responsibility for the murder of former Special Branch informer Mr William Stobie.
They said he was killed because of "crimes against the loyalist community".
Mr Stobie (51) was shot dead outside his flat on the Forthriver Road in north Belfast around 6.15 a.m. yesterday as he prepared to take his partner, Lorraine, to work in south Belfast. He was walking to his car when a gunman fired up to five shots from close range. He was hit in the head and body. He died instantly.
His partner was inside the flat at the time. She ran outside to find him lying on the ground. Neighbours said she became hysterical. Mr Stobie left his flat at the same time every morning. His mother and other members of his family live nearby. Mr Stobie was divorced with three grown-up children.
Det Supt John Brannigan said one person was seen running off towards the Forthriver Estate. "We are following a definite line of inquiry," he said. A fortnight ago Mr Stobie, a former UDA quarter-master, was acquitted of aiding and abetting the 1989 murder of Belfast solicitor, Mr Pat Finucane. After his acquittal, Mr Stobie called for a judicial inquiry into the Finucane murder. He believed he was a pawn in a game between the UDA and Special Branch.
On December 2nd the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) warned Mr Stobie his life was in danger from loyalists. However, it is understood the UDA had told him he was not on a death list and it was safe for him to continue living in the area.