Key suspect arrested in shooting of Colombia senator

Details emerge of shocking assassination

A prominent drug trafficker has been arrested over the shooting of Colombia's vice president, who is also a senator, police said. David Pinilla was arrested in a house in the central department of Tolima, close to where the shooting occurred on Sunday. He is believed to be a key figure in a criminal gang called the 'Gulf Clan'.

The gang is one of Colombia's largest drug trafficking networks. It also has links to right-wing paramilitary groups and is involved in extortion and kidnapping. Six people have now been arrested in connection with the attack, with police describing the assassination as an "act of terrorism".

Suspect was wanted in the US

The suspected gunman, who has not been identified, was shot dead by his accomplices as he tried to escape, according to authorities. The assassin fled the scene on a motorbike, but was pursued by police. He was killed after opening fire on officers during the chase.

David Pinilla, who was arrested by anti-narcotics police, was among Colombia's most wanted, with a reward of more than $170,000 offered for information leading to his arrest.

The US government had offered a $5m reward for information about his whereabouts and activities.