Detectives from the Police Service of Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team launched a murder investigation yesterday, Thursday 20th October, following the discovery of a body within a house in the Craighill area of Antrim.
Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Wilson said: “I can confirm today that the deceased is 44 year old Liam Christie. He was shot up to 4 times at close range in a house where he had been residing in recent weeks.
“This was a brutal killing and I am appealing for information to help bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice.
“While the investigation is at a very early stage I am interested in the timeframe between 7pm on Wednesday 19th October and 9am on Thursday 20th. Did you hear or see anything unusual in the area?
“I have already received information that a member of the public heard possible gunshots at around 2am on Thursday but believed it was fireworks. I would be keen to establish if anyone else heard any unusual noises around this time?
“Liam’s three sons and his partner are trying to come to terms with the loss of Liam in such violent circumstances. And the Craighill community are also shocked at such a brutal murder taking place in their area.
“A 31 year old man has been arrested and is still assisting police with enquiries.
“I would appeal for anyone with any information, no matter how insignificant they think it is, to please bring it to police by calling 101.
“Alternatively, you can submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers -uk.org/ ”