Men 'critical' after loyalists clash

The men are in a critical condition in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast

Detectives say they have no doubt there was paramilitary involvement during trouble between loyalists in east Belfast.

Two men are in a critical condition following the disturbances which started at about 0230 BST on Sunday outside a pub on the Castlereagh Road.

Police were called to the area as rival loyalist factions clashed.

Up to 50 people were involved in the fighting which lasted for about two hours.

At one point a 38-year-old man was hit over the head with an implement.

A gun was then produced and a 27-year-old man was shot in the shoulder.

Both men were brought to the Royal Victoria Hospital where their condition is described as critical.

Witnesses

No arrests were made and the area was cordoned off by the police.

Police inspector John McKeag appealed to any witnesses to contact the police.

"I have no doubt there was paramilitary involvement," he said.

"I would like to appeal to any witnesses to this incident to come forward to police either directly at Strandtown or by use of the confidential telephone."