POLICE IN NORTHERN Ireland have arrested three men in connection with the murder of a 28-year-old man in south Belfast.

Stephen Carson was killed in front of his family at their home on Walmer Street just after 10.45pm on Thursday.

He was eating dinner with his partner and nine-year-old son when at least three men carrying a hammer and shotgun forced their way into the house.

Police said Carson ran into the downstairs bathroom but was shot through the door.

Following searches in west Belfast yesterday evening, three men aged 32, 37 and 39 were arrested on suspicion of murder.

‘Criminal feud’

The suspects remain in custody this morning assisting officers with their enquiries.

A firearm recovered during searches has been sent for forensic tests.

Walmer Street PA PA

The officer leading the investigation, Detective Superintendent Kevin Geddes, called the murder “cold-blooded and brutal”.

“Our main line of enquiry, but not our only line of enquiry, is that Stephen was shot as part of a criminal feud,” he said.

We do not believe at this stage there was any paramilitary involvement nor do we believe this was sectarian.

Anyone with information on the killing has been asked to come forward.

Read: Man killed after four men force their way into house and shoot him