Weapons seized in UDA 'stand-off'

Rival factions of the UDA clashed in Belfast

Police seized a shotgun, ammunition and petrol bombs following a stand-off between rival factions of the same loyalist paramilitary group in Belfast.

The trouble on Friday night began hours after the Ulster Defence Association in north Belfast issued a statement to say it had appointed a new leadership.

The move came five weeks after the group expelled Andre and Ihab Shoukri.

Sources claim Shoukri supporters told people they would have to leave the area if they backed the new leadership.

BBC Northern Ireland home affairs correspondent Vincent Kearney said it was believed that up to 80 people became involved in a tense stand-off between the two factions in the Tyndale Gardens and Tigers Bay areas.

Police are also investigating claims that a number of shots were fired in the incident.

A short time later the police moved into the area and seized weapons from the Tyndale Gardens area.

"There are fears of further clashes and the UDA's ruling body, its so-called inner council, has warned that it will not stand by if members are intimidated or attacked," Mr Kearney said.