12/05/2003

Second man arrested in Crawfordsburn murder

A second man has been arrested in connection to the murder of a leading loyalist in Co Down last week.

He was detained yesterday afternoon following the release of the first man arrested in connection to the murder of 45-year-old Jim Johnston on Thursday night.

Police believe two gunmen were behind the shooting of Mr Johnston at his Crawfordsburn home.

Detectives also believe that Mr Johnston, an alleged senior figure in the Red Hand Commando, had links with the local drug trade.

It is believed police had warned him about his safety shortly before his death.

Suspicion has already fallen on the banned paramilitary gang, the Loyalist Volunteer Force.

(MB)

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