PSNI on alert in loyalist estate

There was trouble between rival UDA factions

Police are maintaining a high visibility presence in Carrick's Castlemara estate following weekend violence, a leading officer has said.

A police officer was shot in the back during disturbances between gangs of rival loyalists on Saturday night.

He has been released from hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

Area Commander, Acting Chief Inspector David Moore, said the estate was now calm and police were working to prevent any further incidents.

"We would again ask those with influence in the community to continue working to bring calm to the area and we acknowledge the efforts that have already been made," he said.

The first minister has described the weekend violence in Carrickfergus as "extremely worrying".

"These feuds between so-called loyalists are a grave indictment upon their communities and I unreservedly condemn such acts," said Ian Paisley.

A total of six people were arrested in connection with the violence. Three are expected to appear in court on Tuesday.

A 17-year-old youth has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon.

He is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on 17 August.

A 21-year-old man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder was released without charge on Monday night.

"I would also like to extend my sympathy to the police officer who was shot on Saturday evening," Mr Paisley added.

There's five people out of their homes, three people severely beaten, a police officer shot, and the violence is only coming from one side - there is no feud Frankie Gallagher

"I will be praying that he makes a full and speedy recovery. This was a cowardly deed and will be condemned by all right thinking people."

The disturbances have also been condemned by Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams.

"I recognise there are elements in the UDA who are trying to move beyond the old agenda," he said.

"At the same time there can be no toleration of members of illegal organisations taking over housing estates and we saw the shooting of an officer."

Policing Board Chairman Sir Desmond Rea said the policeman was the first to be shot since the police service became the PSNI.

"I am concerned about the tensions between rival factions of the UDA and would urge all those with influence within this community to help defuse tension and maintain calm in the area," he said.

Spokesmen for the South East Antrim UDA raised the prospect of mediation

The officer's injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. Weapons, including CS spray, a crossbow and baseball bats, were recovered.

The trouble is being linked to infighting between different factions of the UDA in the County Antrim town.

A police forensic team has been on the Castlemara estate carrying out follow-up investigations.

One woman who lives in the estate claims the police did nothing when the UDA arrived en masse on Saturday evening.

"You can't sleep in your bed at night because you don't know who's running around," she said.

However, Frankie Gallagher of the UPRG, which offers political advice to the UDA, said the organisation was not responsible for what happened.

"There's five people out of their homes, three people severely beaten, a police officer shot, and the violence is only coming from one side - there is no feud," he said.

"We are saying we will totally support the police - if anybody can come forward and give evidence, we will support them."

George Gilmore, a member of the group Beyond Conflict - linked to the South East Antrim UDA - told the BBC: "The mainstream UDA have got funding from the government and they are being told that they need the full six brigadiers.

George Gilmore said it was "all about money"

"They need the UDA as a whole or they are not getting their funding - this is down to money, that all that this is down to."

On Monday afternoon, a press conference by the spokesmen for the South East Antrim UDA raised the prospect of mediation.

Spokesman Jon McDowell said: "If there is a positive way forward, then we see the involvement of a third party as a first step in this process.

"This would help to dispel the rumours and bring some clarity to the situation."