Opinion

Ian Ogle's murder an act of savagery

The murder of 45-year-old Ian Ogle in east Belfast on Sunday night was a horrific crime involving a shocking level of brutality.

The father-of-two was attacked at Cluan Place by a number of men and it is thought he was stabbed to death in a prolonged assault, an act that has been widely condemned.

At this stage a motive for this murder has not been disclosed but Mr Ogle was a well-known loyalist and it is likely the PSNI will be seeking to establish if paramilitaries were involved in this appalling incident.

In a statement to The Irish News, the UVF moved to distance the organisation from the murder, saying that whoever did it 'did not do it in the name of loyalism or the UVF.'

Given Mr Ogle's links to the paramilitary group, there will be concerns that some form of retribution may be carried out.

It is absolutely essential that no retaliation takes place for this horrendous crime.

This part of the city has witnessed more than enough violence, too many families know what it is like to live in fear.

The best thing anyone who has any information about this despicable killing can do is come forward to the police and ensure those capable of such savagery are taken off the streets and put before the courts.