DETECTIVES IN NORTHERN Ireland investigating a murder which took place in Belfast 20 years ago have arrested a 50-year-old man.

The arrest took place just days after the PSNI reopened their investigation into the killing of Joseph Reynolds, who was shot dead as he made his way to work in east Belfast in 1993.

Reynolds, a 40-year-old painter who was a father of five, is believed to have been ambushed by the UVF as he was driving to work along with seven others in a red Nissan van on 12 October 1993.

The van stopped at a pedestrian crossing to allow two men to cross, but when the men drew level with the van they opened fire with a handgun and a rifle. At the same time, a man in a stolen car which had pulled up behind the van also opened fire.

Joseph Reynolds’ colleagues drove the van to the nearby factory where they worked where he received medical help, but he died a short time later. Three of the other men in the van were also injured.

A number of arrests were made in the original police investigation but no-one has ever been charged.

The PSNI said that the 50-year-old man arrested today has been taken to Antrim Serious Crime Suite for questioning.

Separately, three men in their 40s were arrested in Dungannon this morning in connection with historical republican terrorist activity.

The PSNI said all three are being questioned in Antrim but did not disclose what the arrests are in connection with.