Detectives investigating a murder attempt linked to the feud between loyalist paramilitaries in Northern Ireland arrested three men last night.
Mr Robert Ewart (37) remains critically ill in hospital after he was shot at his home in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim.
Two balaclava-clad gunmen burst into the victim's home in Dunluskin Gardens and shot him several times on Tuesday night.
One man was arrested shortly after the attack, while another three men were taken into custody last night. A police spokesman tonight confirmed that seven people were being questioned about the attack.
Det Supt Paul Hamlin said the victim of the shooting was given "no quarter" by his attackers. He said it was clear the loyalist feud was spreading.
"This feud could go on from anywhere. We have seen attacks in various different places over this last period of time, stretching from Newtownards, Co Down, through Belfast and to Carrickfergus," he said.
The feud began when notorious loyalist leader Johnny "Mad Dog" Adair and close associate John White were expelled from the Ulster Defence Association several months ago.
PA