Loyalists are thought to have been behind the murder of a man in east Belfast on Friday.

The victim, who has not yet been named, was driving a lorry on the lower Newtownards Road when the incident occurred.

Detectives are refusing to speculate on a motive however sources indicate the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) was behind the killing.

A second person who was in the lorry at the time of the shooting escaped uninjured in the attack which took place outside the recently demolished 'Avenue One' bar, which was once owned by former UDA chief Jim Gray.

East Belfast DUP MP Peter Robinson has condemned the killing.

"There can be no place in any peaceful society for actions like this where someone going about their work is gunned down in a cold blooded fashion," he said.

"This appalling and barbaric act is reminiscent of the worst aspects of the last 30 years which no-one will wish to return to.

"This is another tragedy to hit the community at a time when it was hoped that such activities were becoming a thing of the past."

Police have cordoned off the area and have begun an investigation into the shooting.

(MB/SP)