TWO women charged with firearms and explosives offences following the discovery of a major bomb-making factory in the middle of a loyalist estate in Co Antrim are due to appear in court today.

Two women were tonight charged with firearms and explosives offences following the discovery of a major bomb-making factory in the middle of a loyalist housing estate in Co Antrim.

Police in the North have seized an arsenal of weapons and explosives following a 13-hour security operation on a loyalist estate in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim.

Detectives investigating a murder attempt linked to an ongoing feud between loyalist paramilitaries in Northern Ireland tonight arrested three men.

The funeral is taking place at noon today of the latest victim of the UDA feud in the North.