Inquest into death of alleged drug dealer in 1998

An inquest will be held today into the murder of an alleged loyalist drug dealer in Northern Ireland.

William “Wassy” Paul, 49, was gunned down outside his home in Bangor, Co Down in July 1998.

His killer opened fire in the town’s Kilcooley estate before escaping in a car later found burnt out.

At the time detectives ruled out a sectarian motive for the murder.

But it is believed the victim was heavily involved in the loyalist paramilitary drugs trade in the North.

Witnesses have been called to give evidence at a coroner’s court hearing in Belfast.