A nightclub doorman stabbed in a frenzied attack fears he will be killed if he returns to the North to testify against a Belfast loyalist accused of trying to murder him, a court heard today.

A man appeared in court today charged with attempted murder, arson, assault and unlawful imprisonment following a near-fatal attack on a pub doorman.

Nine men were arrested today and three weapons recovered after a major police operation in a loyalist estate on the outskirts of north Belfast.