Police appeal over Co Down murder

Police in the North have appealed for information over the murder of a man after making further arrests in the case.

Detectives from Serious Crime Branch today revealed they arrested a woman and a man, both 19, late last night in connection with the killing of Philip Strickland in Comber, Co Down.

Three men – believed to be a father and his two sons from the Comber area - were already in custody over the killing.

The 36-year-old victim was found on a rural country road after he was blasted repeatedly with a shotgun.

Police are investigating whether the murder was linked to a criminal feud. Mr Strickland was known to the police.

Described as a loner who lived in nearby east Belfast, he was found on Wednesday night lying in the front of his blue Citroen Saxo car on the quiet Ballydrain Road near the village of Comber, where he was originally from.

Members of the public who made the discovery at around 9pm attempted to resuscitate the badly bleeding Mr Strickland, but he was declared dead in hospital a short time later.