Earlier in the week, Det Chief Insp John McVea said the PSNI were not looking at any of Mr Mackin's "previous involvement with police as the motive for this murder".

BBC: Fresh appeal over murder of Christopher Mackin in Belfast

"This is an unusual event in this area and I think the motive lies more in close associations with Christopher Mackin and I don't think it involves any of his previous criminal activity, " he added.

BBC: Fresh appeal over murder of Christopher Mackin in Belfast