UVF sectarian double killer dies in 'human torch suicide'

Hunter is believed to have set himself ablaze and staggered into the path of a passing motorist

THE PSNI are investigating the death from what seems to be the self-immolation of Billy Hunter, the UVF double killer sacked for sectarianism while working at an ASDA store in north Belfast in July 2010.

Hunter was convicted of the murder of two Catholic brothers in 1975. Brothers John and Thomas McErlean were lured to a flat on the pretext of playing cards but were then shot dead by the UVF.

Hunter, from the Mount Vernon UVF stronghold, served a 14-year jail term for the killings.

Working at ASDA on Belfast's Shore Road, Hunter was sacked in July 2010 for making sectarian comments to a delivery driver. After supporters picketed the store, he was reinstated but in a job away from the public.

At around 1:30am last Friday morning, Hunter is believed to have set himself ablaze and staggered into the path of a passing motorist near Millisle in County Down. The driver extinguished the flames and Hunter was rushed by ambulance to the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald but he died from his injuries.