THE RUC has initiated a murder hunt following a man's death in Ballynahinch, Co Down. The body of Mr Dominic Murphy (44) was found in a car in a farmyard at Comber Road, Drumaness.
He is believed to have been shot in the head as he sat in the vehicle on Wednesday night. The RUC said he had been visiting the farm on business when he was shot. Mr Murphy, a father of five, worked in the building trade.
It is understood that he went to the isolated farmhouse to examine machinery stored in outbuildings. The farm is owned by an 82 year old man, but police have eliminated him from their inquiries.
RUC sources said there was no sectarian motive or paramilitary involvement in the killing. Police are believed to be following a definite line of inquiry and want to talk to a man with whom Mr Murphy worked in the past.
The man, who is from Co, Down, is believed to have left the area shortly after the shooting.
The area around the farm was sealed off yesterday as forensic experts carried out a detailed search. Mr Murphy's children are aged from five to 16. His wife Margo was being comforted by relatives yesterday.