UDA announces appointment of new north Belfast leaders

The north Belfast command of the UDA has issued a statement announcing the appointment of a new interim leadership.

The organisation expelled the previous leadership of Andre and Ihab Shoukri five weeks ago.

The pair are currently in prison, with Andre facing charges of extortion, money-laundering and blackmail and Ihab accused of membership of an illegal organisation.

Their expulsion sparked fears of a possible internal feud.

However, today's statement says the new north Belfast leadership has the approval of the so-called Inner Council, as well as UDA supporters in the area.