Tensions are rising within the North's loyalist community following the return from exile of a UDA hardliner opposed to the group's recent peace moves.

Top loyalists Andre and Ihab Shoukri have been thrown out of the Ulster Defence Association (UDA), the paramilitary organisation said today.

Northern Ireland Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde is seeking to have top loyalist Ihab Shoukri sent back to prison, it was revealed tonight.

Five men appeared in court in Belfast today charged with conspiring to imprison and rob a bank employee.