A THIRD man has been arrested by police probing the murder of a prison officer in Northern Ireland.

The 29-year-old suspect was detained in the Irish Republic. Two other men, including prominent dissident republican Colin Duffy, were arrested in the North.

David Black, 52, was shot on Thursday in Armagh as he drove to work at Maghaberry high-security prison.

His killing, which police have blamed on dissident republicans, has prompted widespread condemnation.

A spokesman for the Irish police said: "Gardai have arrested a 29-year-old man in Co Leitrim this evening in connection with the murder of David Black."

Police Service of Northern Ireland assistant chief constable Drew Harris said police were carrying out an extensive investigation into the killing.

"A key element of this investigation will be information which is provided by members of our community," he said, as a reward of £10,000 for information was offered by Crimestoppers.