Loyalist terrorists foiled in police swoop

Loyalist terrorists have been foiled by police who seized guns during a security operation in Co Derry, it emerged today.

Four men were being questioned after officers intercepted a car on the Ballycastle Road, Coleraine last night.

Two firearms, ammunition, balaclavas, and gloves were recovered during the swoop.

The operation comes amid fears that loyalist paramilitaries are planning to shoot Catholic workmen in Derry.

About 40 construction sites in the city were warned by police that intelligence reports indicated terrorists have planned a new murder campaign.

The four men arrested by police are all from the Coleraine area. They were being questioned at a holding centre in Lisburn, Co Antrim.

‘‘We are very pleased to have taken this equipment out of operation,’’ a police spokesman said.

‘‘There’s no clear indication yet what these men were planning, but certainly they were up to no good.’’

John Dallat, a Stormont Assembly member with the nationalist SDLP, insisted the swoop had prevented a murder attack.

The East Derry MLA said: ‘‘The people arrested here had evil intent in their hearts. Why else were they driving around an urban area carrying weapons?

‘‘Their discovery and subsequent arrest may well save lives, and prevent a family grief at Christmas.’’