Loyalist youths bombard PSNI in Co Down

Police in the North were attacked with stones and other missiles last night by around 50 loyalist youths in Newtownards in Co Down.

The attack took place on the Bowtown estate after officers were drafted into the area to deal with disturbances linked to a raid they carried out last Friday.

Six cars were set alight during the disturbances, while a petrol bomb was also thrown into the neighbouring Whitehorn area.

Tensions have been running high in Bowtown, a loyalist stronghold, since police raided a drinking den on Friday and seized a gambling machine and a large quantity of alcohol.