A man's been shot dead in the Markets area of Belfast.

It happened in the Lower Stanfield Street area just after nine this morning.

It's understood the victim was a well known republican and a former senior IRA figure.

The shooting's been condemned by local politicians.

The SDLP's Dr Alasdair McDonnell described the killing as a "horrendous crime" .

He said those responsible for the shooting, which happened during the school rush hour, showed no regard for the public's safety.

Reporter Maria McCann is at the scene: