Two held in connection with Belfast shooting

Two people have been arrested today by police investigating the murder of a man in Belfast city centre.

Christopher Mackin, 31, was gunned down in the College Square North area shortly before 9.30pm yesterday.

A senior officer said the victim was known to police, but detectives were keeping an open mind on the motive for the killing.

Mackin, a father of one, who lived near the scene of the attack with his mother, was shot a number of times and died a short time later in hospital.

Detective Chief Inspector John McVea said police were looking for a light coloured car seen leaving the murder scene. “A major investigation team has been allocated to this case,” he said.

He said a man and woman were arrested in Belfast in connection with the shooting, but declined to provide any further information.

“We can rule out a paramilitary involvement at this stage,” he added.

South Belfast Assembly member Anna Lo condemned the shooting.

“I am shocked to hear of the brutal and vicious attack on this man,” said the Alliance representative.

“I really do not know what would go through the mind of people who carry out attacks such as this shooting. Guns have absolutely no place on our street.

“The people responsible for this gun attack are obviously very callous and dangerous individuals and must be urgently apprehended by the police, so I would urge anybody with any information about this shooting to contact the police.”

Sinn Féin representative Alex Maskey said it would shock the local community.