Man charged as police probe Carrickfergus paramilitary activity

A man has been charged in connection with ongoing paramilitary activity in Carrickfergus, while officers continue to be “proactive in policing the Castlemara estate”.

The 37-year-old was arrested on Thursday, following the discovery of a two loaded firearms during searches at Buskin Place in the Co Antrim town in October.

He has been charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life, to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.

Four men were arrested in the Greenisland and Carrickfergus areas on 30 November in relation to the same incident, police added.

Three of the men aged 26, 31 and 33 were released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service and a man aged 33 was released unconditionally.

It comes amid a dispute in the loyalist estate of Castlemara.

The PSNI on Thursday revealed to the Policing Board that it had cost £1.6m to police the standoff during the past five months.

A spokesperson added: “Officers continue to be proactive in policing Castlemara estate and the wider Carrickfergus area in order to reassure local residents and above all to keep people safe.

“As our investigations continue we would appeal to anyone with information about criminal activity in the area to contact police on 101or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”