Shots fired at police during loyalist violence in Bangor

PSNI officers have come under fire from loyalist gunmen during serious disturbances in north Down overnight.

The violence broke out yesterday after the police began raiding houses in the Kilcooley area of Bangor during an operation targeting "serious crime".

The situation escalated during the evening, with a 200-strong mob throwing petrol bombs, stones and fireworks at the police in what the PSNI says was a sustained and orchestrated a

A number of shots were also fired and bullet marks were visible on a police vehicle, while at least eight cars were hijacked and set on fire.

The violence comes amid rising tensions between two rival factions in the UDA which it's thought may have been a factor in the disturbances.