Adair left isolated as allies end feud links

JAILED loyalist chief Johnny “Mad Dog” Adair was virtually on his own yesterday as associates in west Belfast moved to distance themselves in a bitter feud which has left four men dead.

With up to 70 detectives involved in a major police operation to try to prevent further bloodshed, UDA men based near Adair’s unit in the lower Shankill area ended their links with his so-called “C Company”.

Members of another Protestant paramilitary organisation, the Loyalist Volunteer Force, are also expected to withdraw their support.

With Adair held in Maghaberry Prison and his closest associate, John White, apparently in hiding in the aftermath of the murder of rival John Gregg, it means his dwindling team has become more or less isolated.

Rivals who blamed Adair’s men for the Gregg killing have pledged to avenge the shooting.

Northern Ireland Chief Constable Hugh Orde has disclosed that huge resources are being deployed to prevent more killings.

Gregg’s funeral is due tomorrow. Another UDA man who died when their car was ambushed in Belfast late on Saturday night is also being buried tomorrow.

Mr Orde said: “We have 70 detectives investigating the crimes committed in this loyalist feud in Belfast.

“That’s a third of my whole detective strength in the urban area.”