PSNI probe death of paramilitary and fiancée

The deaths of a loyalist paramilitary chief and his bride-to-be in their home were being investigated by police today.

Thomas Daly – a leader of the Ulster Freedom Fighters in the staunchly loyalist New Mossley estate in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim – and fiancée Leanne McKee were found dead last night.

Post-mortems were being carried out today but it appeared Mr Daly stabbed his lover and then hanged himself.

Police confirmed they were conducting a murder investigation but were not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.

Police were called to the scene after a neighbour on the estate called at the house in Ballyvessey Court and made the grim discovery.

Ms McKee’s uncle Jimmy Beckett said the family was stunned at what had happened.

“The family is totally shell-shocked – they seemed like a happy enough couple.

“They were due to be married in the summer and they were in love with each other.”

Mr Beckett added: “Police have told us that Leanne was found stabbed and that he was hanging.”