Trio remanded over disturbances

Three men have been remanded in custody on charges linked to weekend violence in Carrickfergus.

Appearing at Belfast Magistrates Court were Thomas Duff, 40, from Forthill Drive, Newtownabbey and John Rafferty, 38, from Adelaide Avenue, Whitehead.

Also in court was Alan Tynan, 36, from Crossreagh Drive, Newtownabbey.

All three were charged with possessing items for purposes connected with terrorism and possession of offensive weapons including a crossbow.

A detective told the court that he believed he could connect the defendants with the charges and a prosecuting lawyer applied for a remand in custody.

A defence solicitor said his clients had contended that there was no evidential basis for bringing the first charge under the Terrorism Act.

The defendants were remanded in custody until 21 August to appear again by video link from Maghaberry Prison.

Meanwhile, a 37-year-old man arrested in connection with the disturbances has been charged with incitement to murder.

He will appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

It is understood the charge relates to a stabbing incident.