Murder incident room set up

Murder took place in a bar in Newtownards

A special incident room has been set up by police investigating the murder of a former member of the loyalist paramilitary Ulster Volunteer Force.

Stephen James Manners, 40, was shot dead by two gunmen in Jimmy Mac's bar in Newtownards, County Down, on Sunday.

The police have said they have not ruled out a paramilitary motive for the murder.

The gunmen are reported to have fired one shot at a number of people sitting at a corner table of the bar in North Street.

One of them then shot their victim several times in the pub's toilets.

No-one else was injured.

Murder conviction

On Tuesday they issued a fresh appeal for information.

They are keen for information about anyone seen getting into or out of a silver Ford Escort car in the North Street area of Newtownards between 2300 BST and 2310 BST on Sunday.

Police are also interested to hear from anyone who saw a car overtake at speed with its headlights on near Graham's Hardware Store on the Donaghadee Road at about 2305 BST.

Five years ago, Mr Manners was convicted in relation to the murder of 26-year-old Catholic Ann Marie Smyth in east Belfast in 1992.

Anyone with information should contact the incident room on 028 91829028 or use the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.