Loyalist rebels flee after failed coup

Rogue loyalists have fled Northern Ireland after a failed bid to topple a paramilitary commander in Belfast, it was claimed tonight.

Houses and business premises were attacked as up to 40 men tried to overthrow the Ulster Defence Association’s leadership in the north of the city, sources said.

“There was an attempted coup by a former brigadier who tried to take over and take people hostage, but it backfired on him because he didn’t have the support,” one informed loyalist said.

It is understood the man behind the bid for renewed power was deposed shortly before the UDA was plunged into a bitter internal war that left one of its commanders dead and another, the notorious terror boss Johnny “mad dog” Adair ousted and thrown back in jail.

But with two of the new UDA leaders in north Belfast also behind bars, the ex-leader in the area moved in to the Ballysillan district with associates today.

One source said: “All hell broke loose and they tried to trap people in their homes.

“But we were able to get them released and those behind the coup have now learned it was a senseless step to take.”

With supporters of Adair – who were driven from their homes at the time of the power struggle – now settling in parts of Scotland and England, it was claimed those behind the latest loyalist in-fighting would be joining them.

“As far as I’m aware they’re on the boat to Scotland tonight,” one source said.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed officers were investigating a number of incidents where several houses and business premises were attacked.

A spokesman said: “The area is now reported to be quiet and police are continuing to monitor the situation.”