Loyalist leader John Boreland shot dead in Belfast

THE SHOOTING DEAD of John Boreland, a feared one-time UDA leader, in north Belfast late on Sunday night cannot be justified, Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness has said.

The deputy First Minister tweeted at 11:06pm as reports of the killing were coming in:

“There can be no justification for the murder of a well-known loyalist in north Belfast tonight. This was shameful and I unreservedly condemn it.”

North Belfast Sinn Féin MLAs Gerry Kelly and Carál Ní Chuilín both condemned the killing.

The North Belfast Ulster Political Research Group – which says it “offers political analysis” to the UDA – posted on Facebook after the killing:

“The officers and members of North Belfast UPRG extend our deepest sympathies to the heartbroken family of John Boreland. No words can be of comfort to you now but we hope you can find solice in the knowledge that John was admired and respected by many.

“The cowardly act which resulted in John’s death does not sit easy within our organisation, however, as emotions run high we call for a period of calm and reflection.

“Anyone with any information contact the PSNI or Crimestoppers.

“Rest easy big ‘Bonzer’, we won’t forget you or those who brought this upon you.

“Quis Seperabit.” 

North Belfast has been the focus in the past few weeks of violent clashes between UDA members and the UVF based in Mount Vernon.

Boreland, who once held the UDA rank of ‘brigadier’, was a close associate of the notorious Shoukri brothers, Andre and Ihab, former UDA leaders in north Belfast.

The PSNI said the shooting happened in the Sunningdale Gardens area, off the Ballysillan Road, at around 9:50pm.