Pipe bomb found at UDA commander's home

Bombers have targeted a loyalist paramilitary boss for a second time as a bitter power struggle among rival factions intensifies, it emerged tonight.

A pipe bomb was found at the home of Ulster Defence Association commander John Gregg on the outskirts of Belfast.

Earlier this month Gregg discovered explosives packed to his car.

As security forces swamped the city in a bid to stop an all-out shooting war, sources close to the UDA chief claimed former colleagues expelled from the organisation were responsible.

Notorious C Company leaders, based in west Belfast’s Lower Shankill estate, were ousted in October after allegedly siding with another loyalist grouping in an earlier dispute.

One of Gregg’s associates said: “This is just about these guys wanting full control.”

The pipe bomb was found at Nendrum Gardens in the Rathcoole area of Newtownabbey less than 24 hours after shots were fired into the home of loyalist councillor Tommy Kirkham.

He is a prominent member of the Ulster Political Research Group which is linked to the main UDA element.

Mr Kirkham said tonight: “There is an evil building within loyalism.

“At a time when the Protestant community are calling out for unity and looking for distinct leadership, this evil continues to fragment and fracture the loyalist community.”

But Mr Kirkham vowed not to be frightened off.

He said: “For 32 years I have hit out against the IRA and have been on the receiving end of their campaign for doing so.

“Therefore I will not be intimidated by those masquerading as loyalists.”