The family of a murdered Co Antrim man has claimed the UVF sanctioned his killing, although Mr David Ervine of the Progressive Unionist Party said he understood the shooting was not authorised by the paramilitary group.
John Allen (31), a welder from Ballyclare, was shot by two gunmen at his step-brother's flat early on Saturday morning. He died later in hospital from his injuries.
His father, also called John, blamed the UVF for his killing, as have security and loyalist sources. He said his son was ordered out of Northern Ireland a month ago but he refused to leave. Mr Allen denied reports that his son had UVF connections and said he was killed because he stood up to it.
Mr Ervine of the PUP, which is linked to the UVF, said the word "madness" would not even begin to describe the actions of those who killed Mr Allen. "As far as the suggestion of UVF involvement is concerned, I'm being told that at no level within the organisation was this action authorised."
