DETECTIVES from the PSNI’s Reactive and Organised Crime Branch probing UDA violence in Carrickfergus have charged a 37 year old man with having  a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life.

He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Saturday, December 3, for a first remand hearing.

As is normal procedure all charges are reviewed by the PPS.

Detective Inspector Whoriskey said: “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 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

The man was arrested in Carrickfergus on Thursday 1st December in relation to the recovery of two loaded firearms following a search at Buskin Place in Carrickfergus on Friday 28th October.

Four men were arrested in the Greenisland and Carrickfergus areas on Wednesday 30th November in relation to the same incident.

Three of the men aged 26, 31 and 33 were released pending a report to the PPS.

A man aged 33 was released unconditionally.