Father and son are first Ulster victims of 1993

A CATHOLIC father and son became this year's first casualties of violence in Northern Ireland when they were shot dead by loyalists in Co Tyrone last night, writes David McKittrick

Responsibility was claimed late last night by the illegal Ulster Volunteer Force, the loyalist group which has carried out a string of similar killings in the area over the past twelve months. One UVF gunman in particular, nicknamed 'the Jackal' is said to have been responsible for many of the shootings.

Last night's attack took place at a shop and snooker club at Lisnagleer, near Dungannon. Those killed were the owner, Pat Shields, together with one of his sons. The young man died in a hallway of the family home, which adjoins the shop, while his father was shot in his bed. Another son was hit and seriously injured.

Mr Shields, who was well known for his interest in snooker and Gaelic football, was said by a neighbour to have republican sympathies, though it is thought he was not a member of Sinn Fein.