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A man was shot dead in front of his young son in a supermarket car park in Co Down on Sunday.
The PSNI said a murder investigation had begun after confirming the death of the 35-year-old man.
It is understood that police are pursuing a line of inquiry linked to the death of prominent loyalist Geordie Gilmore, who was murdered in March as part of a UDA feud in southeast Co Antrim.
The incident happened near a Sainsbury's supermarket in the Balloo Link area of Bangor shortly before 3pm.
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Ambulance staff had been treating the man at the scene but he later died from his injuries.
Social media posts from Bangor residents said up to six gunshots were heard.
‘Cold-blooded’
Supt Brian Kee said the recklessness of the “cold-blooded murder is all too evident.
“It is beyond belief that the gunman shot the victim when he was out with his son.
“This young boy witnessed everything and he will undoubtedly carry that memory for the rest of his life. We are very lucky that we are not also dealing with the death of this child today.”
Det Supt Kevin Geddes urged witnesses to come forward.
UUP MLA Allan Chambers describedthe incident as a "ruthless attack".
He told The Irish Times: “Anyone firing a firearm in that vicinity was showing total disregard for anybody in the area. The community is in shock.”
Alliance North Down MLA Stephen Farry said he was “utterly shocked” at the incident. Dr Farry said it had “sent shockwaves” through Bangor.
“This was a brutal incident, made all the more reckless and shocking by the fact it took place in a busy supermarket car park on a Sunday afternoon. Shoppers going about their regular business could have easily been on the end of this attack.
“My thoughts are with the loved ones of the man shot dead. There can never be any excuse for carrying out such an act, which has left a man dead and a family mourning.”