Detectives investigating a series of recent UDA feud incidents in the Ards and North Down area have charged two men to court.
One of the men, aged 30, has been charged with arson endangering life with intent, intimidation causing a person to leave a residence or occupation, possessing petrol bombs in suspicious circumstances and throwing a petrol bomb.
A second man, also aged 30, has been charged with arson endangering life with intent, intimidation causing a person to leave a residence or occupation, making a petrol bomb, possession of a Class B controlled drug and throwing a petrol bomb.
They are both due to appear before Newtownards Magistrates’ Court today, Wednesday, March 29, for a first remand hearing.
As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.
Three men aged 29, 50 and 53 who were arrested under the Terrorism Act have all been released following questioning.
The investigation continues.
Meanwhile, police are appealing for information following reports of petrol bomb incidents on Tuesday evening, March 28, in the Bangor and Newtownards area.
North Down and Ards District Commander, Johnston McDowell said: “Officers received a report shortly before 9.20pm that a house had been petrol bombed in the Ballyferris Walk area of Bangor.
“We then received a second report at 9.30pm of damage being caused to a property in the Glenbrook Road area of Newtownards.
“It was reported at least two men threw bricks through the front window of the house and poured petrol onto the driveway.
“Police then received a third report at approximately 9.40pm of a petrol bomb attack at a block of flats in the Donaghadee Road area of Newtownards.
“These incidents are linked to an ongoing feud between two rival drug gangs and police are following a number of lines of enquiry.
“Thankfully, no injuries were reported on Tuesday evening. I would also like to extend my thanks to our colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service who attended.
“We are appealing to anyone who was in these areas at the reported times, and saw anything suspicious, to call police on 101, quoting reference numbers 2128, 2176 and 2156 of 28/03/23.”
Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org
