Chief Supt Nigel Grimshaw condemns murder bid

DETECTIVES have arrested two men over the the attempted murder of a man in north Belfast last night linked to an internal UDA feud.

The gun attack happened just after 10 pm and at first police suspected it may have been a ‘punishment shooting’.

However, inquiries later established the shooting was part of a bubbling feud within north Belfast UDA.

During follow up investigations, two men, aged 46 and 47, were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Officers also carried out searches of properties in north Belfast and the Bangor area of north Down.

North Belfast PSNI commander Chief Supt Nigel Grimshaw condemned those behind the latest act of loyalist lawlessness that almost claimed a life.

“This type of incident adds nothing to communities; instead it can lead to fear, anxiety and tension.

“This cannot be allowed to happen, and the police will do everything in our power to keep people safe, deal with this criminality, and ensure that people can go about their normal business in peace.

“Detectives will continue to actively pursue this investigation to ensure that all those involved in carrying out this attack, are arrested and brought before the courts.”

Police said it was believed the man was shot when he got out of a car after something was thrown at it.

His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Earlier this week, two cars parked outside the home of a community worked were torched in north Belfast.