POLICE investigating the murder of loyalists George Gilmore and Mark Gourley have carried out searches in Carrickfergus.
Mr Gilmore, a former UDA commander (44) was driving his car in the Co Antrim town on March 13 when he was shot in the neck.
Mr Gourley, from the Castlemara estate in Carrickfergus, disappeared from Glengormley in 2009. He is believed to have been murdered over an unpaid debt.
The 36-year-old had been described in court as a "loyalist foot soldier" and "vulnerable".
His body has never been found.
Police said they carried out searches in the Castlemara estate - the scene of previous disturbances involving the South East Antrim UDA - and other areas of Carrickfergus in connection with the separate murders.
The search of a house in Castlemara on Monday was linked to the probe into Mr Gourley's murder.
Officers also searched land on Monday and a house in Carrickfergus yesterday in relation to Mr Gilmore's murder.
Several items were seized from the house and have been taken away for further examination.
Detective Inspector Darren McCartney thanked "the community of Carrickfergus who have already provided me with information in relation to not only these two murders but other serious crimes in the area".
"These searches over the past two days are proof that police have listened and responded to this information," he said.
"I would appeal to local people to continue providing police with support in these two investigations so that we can bring those responsible to justice."
He asked anyone with further information to contact police on 028 9025 9542.
"I would like to reassure you that any information provided will treated in strict confidence," he said.
