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Further arrests for Pitt Park gathering

Up to 60 men gathered in the Pitt Park area of east Belfast earlier this month.
Up to 60 men gathered in the Pitt Park area of east Belfast earlier this month. Up to 60 men gathered in the Pitt Park area of east Belfast earlier this month.

Detectives have arrested four more people in relation to a large gathering of loyalists in the Pitt Park area of east Belfast earlier this month.

The PSNI’s Criminal Investigation Branch and Paramilitary Crime Task Force, arrested four men on Wednesday morning following searches in east Belfast and Newtownards.

The men, aged 33, 35, 46 and 54 years old, were arrested on suspicion of terrorism, and other related offences.

Detective Chief Superintendent John McVea said: “Our investigation into the gathering at Pitt Park and activities linked to east Belfast UVF is continuing, and today’s arrests were conducted under the Terrorism Act. Those arrested will now be questioned in Musgrave Street Serious Crime Suite.

“I would continue to appeal to anyone in the community who has information or footage regarding the incident or criminality in the area, to contact the police.”

Up to 60 masked men allegedly took part in the gathering on February 2, close to the Ballymac community centre.

Three men Stephen Matthews (58), Derek Lammey (56), and David Robert Matthews (34), have all been jointly charged with unlawful assembly and affray in relation to the incident.

All three have been remanded into custody.