Body prompts fears of 'new victim' in loyalist feud

There were fears today that the loyalist feud in Northern Ireland has claimed another victim after the body of a man was found in Belfast.

There were fears today that the loyalist feud in Northern Ireland has claimed another victim after the body of a man was found in Belfast.

The man's body was discovered at a house in the loyalist Shankill Road area of the city yesterday night.

John White, chairman of the Ulster Democratic Party, said he hoped the death was not part of the fight between the UDA and UVF and appealed for calm.

The victim, named by Mr White as Stephen McKeag, was found face down in his home at Florence Court in the Lower Shankill with bruising to the face and body.

The RUC said it was investigating the death of a man in his 30s but said it was too early to say what was behind it. A post mortem examination did not reveal the caise of death.

Mr White, whose party is regarded as the political front of the UDA, said the body was discovered after a cross-bow bolt was seen sticking out of a window in Mr McKeag's home.

Three men have been murdered, several more injured and over 200 families forced to flee their homes during the month long fight for control of the Shankill between the UDA and UVF.

On Saturday hundreds of people marched down the Shankill demanding an end to the fighting in a protest organised by local churchmen.

And yesterday local Free Presbyterian Minister, the Rev Alan Smiley accused the government of doing too little to end the bitter confrontation.

He said the rule of law was not being enforced and lawlessness was prevailing, and queried whether the Government wanted to see the Shankill Road destroyed.