Murder victim Liam Christie shot in own Antrim home four times at close range, say police

The man who was killed in Antrim town was 44-year-old Liam Christie, police have confirmed.

At a press conference on Friday, police said the father of three, who was known to police, was shot four times at close range in his home.

Police say he had only been living in the house in the Craighill area for a number of weeks.

Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Wilson described the killing as 'brutal'. She confirmed he was known to police.

"While the investigation is at a very early stage, I am interested in the time frame between 7pm on Wednesday 19 October and 9am on Thursday 20 October," she said.

"Did you see or hear anything unusual in that area?"

Det Ch Insp Wilson added that she believes a member of the public heard gunshots at around 2am, but believed it was fireworks.

"Liam's three sons and his partner are trying to come to terms with the loss of Liam in such violent circumstances," she said.

"The Craighill community are also shocked at such a brutal murder taking place in their area."

A 31-year-old man who was arrested has been released on bail to allow for further police enquiries.

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