Shots fired in Larne, two arrests

Two men were arrested after shots were fired and stones thrown at the RUC in Larne, Co Antrim, injuring three police officers…

Two men were arrested after shots were fired and stones thrown at the RUC in Larne, Co Antrim, injuring three police officers and a fire-fighter.

Police said the trouble began shortly before 10 p.m. on Thursday in the Seacourt estate, when a crowd of more than 40 people began throwing stones and other missiles at the officers. It is understood that nationalists were involved in the disturbances. Police said they entered the area, which is mixed, after an unrelated report of assault and criminal damage. As the RUC withdrew, a man armed with a shotgun fired twice at a police car, but missed.

A vehicle was then overturned and set alight, and fire officers attempting to extinguish the blaze came under attack. Further shots were fired and another attempt was made to burn a vehicle.