Shooting of policeman 'cowardly', says Paisley

Ian Paisley today branded the shooting of a policeman during loyalist disturbances in Antrim a "cowardly" act.

A married PSNI part-time officer was rushed to hospital after a bullet lodged in his back during the stand-off involving 150 people in the Castlemara area on Saturday night.

Dr Paisley said: "This was a cowardly deed and will be condemned by all right-thinking people."

"These feuds between so-called loyalists are a grave indictment upon their communities and I unreservedly condemn such acts."

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder while three other men were caught in a car full of batons, CS spray and crossbows.

Those involved in the disturbances are thought to have connections with the UDA - known for involvement in hundreds of murders during the decades of conflict in the North.

In recent years the group has become increasingly involved in racketeering and drugs but some elements want a complete end to all forms of violence and criminality.

There has been friction between the different groups for several years.

"Sadly, once started, these feuds take on a momentum and are difficult to stop," said Dr Paisley.

"The history of such events in that they will only halt when scores are settled, meaning loss of life, with heartache for the innocent men, women and children on the fringes."

The Democratic Unionist leader called for those involved to pull back from the brink.

The Ulster Political Research Group, which speaks for a section of the UDA, also condemned the violence and called for calm heads and no knee-jerk reaction from politicians.