Top Loyalist Jim Gray was shot dead in Belfast tonight.
He was shot in the east of the city, where he was once in charge of the paramilitary Ulster Defence Association.
Gray was out on bail awaiting trial on money laundering charges after being arrested by police as part of an investigation into serious crime in Northern Ireland.
He was ousted as UDA leader in east Belfast several months ago.
The 47-year-old former paramilitary chief was gunned down in Knockwood Park in the east of the city.
It is believed he was shot when he answered the front door of his home to be confronted by two gunmen.
He was recently released on bail after being in custody facing a series of charges involving money laundering and possessing and concealing criminal property.
Gray had been arrested in County Down in early April along with his girlfriend.
He was expelled from the leadership of the Ulster Defence Association earlier this year.
PA