Police in Belfast confirm there has been a fatal shooting in the east of the city tonight.
Former UDA leader, Jim Gray, was shot dead in Clarawood estate. It is believed he was shot when he answered the front door of his home to be confronted by two gunmen.
Mr Gray was out on bail awaiting trial on money laundering charges after being arrested by police as part of an investigation into serious crime in Northern Ireland.
He was ousted as UDA leader in east Belfast several months ago.
Tonight's murder is seen as a serious escalation in the feud taking place among Loyalist paramilitary organisations.
Mr Gray survived a murder bid three years ago when he was seriously injured in a shooting linked to a loyalist feud.
Earlier this year he was expelled from the leadership of the UDA after falling out with former paramilitary associates, and this may have been a factor in his murder.
