Shots fired at Adair home

Police examine the scene of the shooting in Bolton

Shots have been fired at the house where the family of convicted loyalist terrorist Johnny Adair are living in Greater Manchester.

A number of shots were fired through a rear ground floor window of the home at Chorley New Road in Bolton, just before 0200 BST on Wednesday.

It is believed that Adair's wife Gina and her children were in the house at the time.

The loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Defence Association, later claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a statement it warned: "Action will be taken against anyone providing guns or a safe haven for these outcasts."

I think it's dreadful that it is so near our homes. It's very, very frightening and worrying

Local resident

Adair is currently in Maghaberry Prison, Northern Ireland, after he breached his licence under the Good Friday peace agreement.

Mrs Adair left Northern Ireland with her family following an internal feud in the UDA.

Many local residents were woken by the gunfire in the early hours of the morning.

One told the BBC: "I think it's dreadful that it is so near our homes.

"It's very, very frightening and worrying."

Greater Manchester Police appealed for witnesses and said extra officers would be patrolling the area.

Directing terrorism

Forensic officers have examined the house for signs of explosives.

Chief Superintendent Don Brown said: "We would like to reassure local residents as we believe this is an isolated incident, although extra officers will be on patrol in the area over the next few days.

"There is a dedicated team of officers working on this investigation.

"I would urge anyone who was in the area at the time who may have seen anything suspicious to contact officers."

In 1995 Adair was convicted of directing terrorism and was sentenced to 16 years.

But he was released in September 1999 under the terms of the Good Friday agreement, which allowed paramilitary prisoners home early.

Paramilitary activity

When he was released he said he would work for lasting peace, but in the summer of 2000 a feud broke out between his "C Company" of the UDA and the rival Unionist group, the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF).

The then Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson ordered him to be rearrested for drug-dealing and paramilitary activity.

Adair was released in May 2002, but he was expelled from the UDA over his links with the Loyalist splinter group, the LVF.

He was arrested and returned to prison in January 2003 after the Northern Ireland Secretary Paul Murphy received information he was involved in directing terrorism, drugs, extortion and distributing weapons.

In February 2003, two members of the UDA, including its leader John Gregg were murdered and supporters of Adair were blamed.

Faced with death threats, more than 100 members of C Company broke links with Adair.

About 20 of his closest followers, including his wife Gina, fled their homes.