DETECTIVES were today continuing to question five people arrested in connection with the murder of Burnley man Iain McKay.

A woman who was also arrested in early-morning police swoops on homes in Burnley and Padiham yesterday has been released without charge.

The four men and one woman still detained were held at Burnley and Colne police stations overnight.

None have yet been charged, say officers investigating the shotgun slaying of 31-year-old warehouseman Mr McKay, a known tobacco, alcohol and drugs dealer, in the Duke Bar area of town. He was shot in a quiet country lane in Netherwood Road 17 days ago. Police say they expect to question the five throughout today.

Earlier today officers were granted a Superintendent's extension to continue questioning the suspects.

Det Insp Mike Kellett, leading the hunt, said this would run until around 8pm this evening, when a decision on whether to charge or release them would be made.

Police could also apply to magistrates to extend the period of interviews were it deemed necessary. Mr Kellett said: "The picture we have built up in our inquiries have given us reasonable grounds for arresting and questioning these people in relation to Iain McKay's death."