Fears grow that Internal UDA feud may spread

There are fears today that the latest inter-loyalist feud could spread beyond the Co Antrim town of Carrickfergus.

The feud pits the mainstream UDA against a small breakaway faction based in south-east Antrim.

During the weekend, two houses in Carrickfergus were targeted in gun and pipe-bomb attacks linked to the infighting.

It has also emerged that gangs of UDA paramilitaries entered nearby Larne during the weekend and staged shows of strength at two pubs in the town.

The breakaway faction is accusing the mainstream leadership of organising the event in an effort to stir up trouble.