A man (39) was arrested in the early hours of this morning on suspicion of the "brutal" murder of Laurence Shaw (56) in Larne.
The man remains in custody.
Mr Shaw was found dead at a bungalow in the Hillmount Gardens area of the Seacourt estate at around 130pm yesterday.
Police were said to be investigating reports that his throat had been cut.
A post-mortem examination is due to be carried out today.
It is understood a party was held in Mr Shaw's Hillmount Gardens home over the weekend.
It remained unclear last night exactly how Mr Shaw died, with the Fire Service also confirming it had attended a small blaze at the house.
A spokeswoman said it had received a call to "attend an incident at Hillmount Gardens, Larne".
"Two fire appliances from Larne and Carrickfergus fire stations attended the incident," she said.
"A man was confirmed dead at the scene.
"A small fire inside the property was out on arrival of fire crews."
Forensic examinations were being carried out at the scene yesterday and the PSNI removed several evidence bags. Officers remained at the house last night.
Detective Chief Inspector Boyce said: “I am appealing to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the Hillmount Gardens area since Saturday afternoon, or anyone who has any information that can assist us with our enquiries, to contact detectives in Larne on 101 quoting reference number 687 09/10/17.
"I am particularly keen to speak with anyone who saw or spoke with Laurence at any time over the weekend, or anyone who was in his company."
Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan, who knew Mr Shaw, last night said the community had been left shocked by his death.
"He was a likeable critter, a loveable rogue," he said.
"I've known him for years, he was well known around the estate and would have done anything for you.
"Everything was going well for him the last time I met him.
"Seacourt is a tight-knit estate where everyone knows one another and for this to happen there is absolutely shocking."
Ulster Unionist assembly member John Stewart said it was "very disturbing to hear the initial reports that a body has been recovered from a property in Seacourt".
Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson also expressed his shock at Mr Shaw's "brutal" death.
"I would like to pass on my condolences to the loved ones of this man. My thoughts are with them at this time," he said.
"The community will be shocked by this, particularly given its brutal nature. It is shocking it could be carried out in a quiet residential area.
"Those responsible must be brought to justice before the courts as soon as possible - they are clearly dangerous individuals and could pose a danger to others."
