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Father-of-four shot dead at home Father-of-four shot dead at home
(11 minutes later)
The father-of-four shot dead in Templepatrick on Monday night was 60-year-old Geoff Kerr.The father-of-four shot dead in Templepatrick on Monday night was 60-year-old Geoff Kerr.
The attack happened shortly before 2200 BST at Mr Kerr's home in the Lylehill Road area of the village, which is ten miles north of Belfast.The attack happened shortly before 2200 BST at Mr Kerr's home in the Lylehill Road area of the village, which is ten miles north of Belfast.
He was a financial advisor, originally from Ahoghill, and was also a member of the Ulster Unionist Party.He was a financial advisor, originally from Ahoghill, and was also a member of the Ulster Unionist Party.
He was married with four sons. His wife Sally and one of his sons were in the house when the shooting took place.He was married with four sons. His wife Sally and one of his sons were in the house when the shooting took place.
Mr Kerr, who had worked in the Ballymena area for many years, has been described by a relative as a "happy-go-lucky family man".Mr Kerr, who had worked in the Ballymena area for many years, has been described by a relative as a "happy-go-lucky family man".
Geoff was a larger-than-life figure with whom what you saw was what you got Councillor Danny KinahanGeoff was a larger-than-life figure with whom what you saw was what you got Councillor Danny Kinahan
The relative also said the Kerr family were baffled as to why he had been targeted. A family friend told the BBC no-one had any idea why Mr Kerr had been attacked: "Sally his wife is just numb and the boys are in shock, we just can't think of a reason why Geoff would be targeted''.
Ulster Unionist Councillor Danny Kinahan said: "Geoff was a larger-than-life figure with whom what you saw was what you got.Ulster Unionist Councillor Danny Kinahan said: "Geoff was a larger-than-life figure with whom what you saw was what you got.
"He'd only been a member of the party in this area for a year, but in that time had made a bigger impact than most do over many years."He'd only been a member of the party in this area for a year, but in that time had made a bigger impact than most do over many years.
"It's enormous loss to the party, as well as the Kerr family obviously.""It's enormous loss to the party, as well as the Kerr family obviously."
SDLP assembly member Tommy Burns said he understood that Mr Kerr was shot after answering a knock at the door.SDLP assembly member Tommy Burns said he understood that Mr Kerr was shot after answering a knock at the door.
DUP South Antrim MP William McCrea said he did not think dissident republican involvement would be the "leading line of inquiry".DUP South Antrim MP William McCrea said he did not think dissident republican involvement would be the "leading line of inquiry".
'Killers''Killers'
"I certainly hope it is not, but irrespective of who is responsible - we've got to catch them, we've got to take these killers off the streets of Northern Ireland."I certainly hope it is not, but irrespective of who is responsible - we've got to catch them, we've got to take these killers off the streets of Northern Ireland.
Police have appealed to anyone who saw a dark-coloured saloon car with a number of men inside driving through Templepatrick between 2100 and 2230 BST on Monday to contact them.Police have appealed to anyone who saw a dark-coloured saloon car with a number of men inside driving through Templepatrick between 2100 and 2230 BST on Monday to contact them.
A car matching this description was later found burnt out in the Glenavy area. It is being examined.A car matching this description was later found burnt out in the Glenavy area. It is being examined.
Templepatrick is about ten miles north of BelfastTemplepatrick is about ten miles north of Belfast
Sinn Fein Councillor Annemarie Logue said: "We don't yet know a lot about what actually happened, but what we do know is that a family is this morning without a father.Sinn Fein Councillor Annemarie Logue said: "We don't yet know a lot about what actually happened, but what we do know is that a family is this morning without a father.
"This is absolutely devastating news - Templepatrick is normally such a quiet area.""This is absolutely devastating news - Templepatrick is normally such a quiet area."
Alliance Councillor Alan Lawther said: "Murders should be a thing of the past."Alliance Councillor Alan Lawther said: "Murders should be a thing of the past."
Mel Lucas of Traditional Unionist Voice said local people were "utterly shocked".Mel Lucas of Traditional Unionist Voice said local people were "utterly shocked".
"All we know for certain at this stage is that a man has been shot dead," he added."All we know for certain at this stage is that a man has been shot dead," he added.
Police want anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area to get in touch.Police want anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area to get in touch.
Templepatrick remains closed between the Old Coach Road and the Antrim Road.Templepatrick remains closed between the Old Coach Road and the Antrim Road.