Pinewood Avenue in Carrick where Geordie Gilmore was shot and critically injured this afternoon. Police vehicles at top of picture at crime scene

EXCLUSIVE: A LOYALIST linked to ongoing tensions in a seaside town is fighting for his life in hospital after a murder bid this afternoon.

Geordie Gilmore snr, who is in his 40s, was driving along Pinewood Avenue in Carrickfergus when shots were fired at him.

He is said to have been struck in the neck, arm and leg.

The notorious loyalist has been rushed to hospital where his condition is said to be critical.

Detectives believe the murder bid is part of an ongoing feud between rival UDA factions in Carrick.

On Saturday night, Gilmore  was refused permission to the Royal Oak Bar which is next door to the town’s police station.

A source told Belfast Daily: “He sent some of his heavies around and they beat the doorman around the head with a fire extinguisher.

“He is still seriously ill in hospital.”

Three men appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court around lunchtime today charged with the attempted murder of the doorman.

All three were remanded in custody amid a heavy police presence inside and outside of the court.

Then around 2.15 pm, as Gilmore drove along Pinewood Avenue, automatic shots rang out in a quiet residential street.

One local said: “It is becoming like the Wild West down here.”