Police were today investigating the discovery of a suspect device found near the home of notorious loyalist Ihab Shoukri just hours ahead of his funeral.

While the Grainan Way area of Newtownabbey was cordoned off, as a result of the security alert which began at 7.30am, it is understood members of the Shoukri family refused to leave their home.

A PSNI spokeswoman this morning confirmed that Army Technical Officers were tasked to the scene and were carrying out an examination of the suspicious object.

Meanwhile, jailed loyalist paramilitary Andre Shoukri was expected to attend the funeral of his brother Ihab.

According to Shoukri’s family, he was to be released from Maghaberry prison for a limited time today on compassionate bail for the ceremony and burial.

Former UDA ‘brigadier’ Ihab (34) died from a suspected drug overdose on Saturday night at a house in the loyalist Rathcoole estate.

Dozens of mourners were expected to gather at the Holy Trinity Parish Church on the Ballysillan Road at 12pm today for the funeral service.

It is understood that Andre will be released from prison for seven hours into the custody of a church minister to attend the funeral of his brother.

Following this he will be returned to his cell at Maghaberry prison.

Andre was jailed last November for nine years for blackmail, intimidation and money laundering.

Both he and his brother Ihab rose to prominence to become two of the most high profile members of the UDA.

However, they were expelled from the paramilitary group two years ago after establishing a breakaway faction which was involved in widespread criminality, including drug dealing in south east Antrim.

Following the service at the Holy Trinity Parish Church, Shoukri’s body will be buried at Carnmoney Cemetery.