Five men arrested by police investigating attacks in North Down

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th March 2023Police at the scene of an attack in the Coyle Gardens area of Newtownards, Co. Down. Firefighters were called to the area late on Sunday night.
Police have been investigating attacks in Ards and Bangor. Credit: Press Eye

Police have made a further two arrests in their investigation into a feud between rival factions of the UDA.

The pair, aged 50 and 30 were arrested in Belfast and Newtownards on Tuesday.

The older man was arrested in Belfast under the Terrorism Act following a search at a residential property in Newtownards.

The 30-year-old was arrested in Newtownards on suspicion of a range of offences, including arson with intent to endanger life.

It comes after three men were held earlier following a series of recent attacks in the North Down area.

Police have linked a number of incidents including pipe bomb and petrol attacks on houses to a drugs feud within the UDA.

Two men were arrested under the Terrorism Act. A 29-year-old man in Newtownards and a 53-year-old man in Hillsborough.

A 30-year-old man has been arrested in Newtownards on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and possession of a Class B controlled drug.

Police said all three remain in custody at this time.

A spokesperson for the PSNI said: "A number of searches were conducted in the Newtownards area as part of the ongoing operation.

"A number of items were removed for further examination."

They added: "We continue to appeal to the community to help our investigation and provide any information they have on who might be responsible for these attacks by calling us on 101 or 999 in an emergency."

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.