Security analysts said loyalist Jackie Mahood may have been shot by loyalist guerrillas because of a personal grudge. One of the other victims was found by a country roadside in County Londonderry and may have been dumped from a car. It was not known if the shootings were linked. The region has enjoyed an edgy peace since rival pro-Irish and pro-British militias declared ceasefires, but each side has dissidents. Hardliners are suspected of several so-called "punishment" shootings and beatings in their rival strongholds in recent weeks. Mahood was shot in the face and neck by two men at a north Belfast taxi office where he worked. Police said his condition was critical. The shooting comes at a time of tension between rival Protestant groups. Billy Hutchinson, leader of the loyalist Progressive Unionist Party, appealed for calm among loyalists. He discounted suggestions of a loyalist feud and said "criminal elements" may have been involved. A man found shot near Maghera town in County Londonderry was discovered by a passer-by. A police spokesman said it was not known whether he was shot at the spot or if he had been dumped from a car. BBC radio reported that he had been shot several times in the upper body and is believed to be from County Armagh. In Lisburn, south of Belfast, a man was shot in the legs and at Irvinestown, County Fermanagh, three people were arrested after a man was found with shotgun injuries.