Father resigns over son's killing

Mr Allen believes an Orange Order member sanctioned the killing

The father of a man murdered in County Antrim two weeks ago has resigned from the Orange Order because he believes the man who sanctioned his son's killing is also a member.

John Allen handed in his letter of resignation at the Order's headquarters in Belfast.

Mr Allen's 31-year-old son, also named John, died after being shot in the head and legs by two masked men at a flat at Rashee Park, Ballyclare, on 8 November.

The family believe loyalist paramiltiaries carried out the killing.

Mr Allen's letter of resignation stops short of naming the man he holds responsible for his son's death.

"I just felt I had to hand in my resignation after the murder of my son," said Mr Allen.

"I have been told that a person within the Orange Order was involved in the sanctioning of this murder.

"I have no evidence of this but I have had so many calls and so much is pointing that way and I just feel I have to hand in my resignation."

A spokesman for the Grand Orange Lodge said Mr Allen had made a serious allegation which would be fully investigated.