A public inquiry into the assassination of loyalist terror boss Billy “King Rat” Wright will finally begin oral hearings today.

Flags have been taken down and murals painted over ahead of a loyalist paramilitary organisation’s anticipated disbandment.

Senior British judges faced new demands today to boycott an inquiry into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane.

A top loyalist was shot dead today as a new paramilitary feud erupted on the streets of Belfast.