Homes were raided in Belfast today by police investigating the latest feud between loyalist paramilitary factions that has claimed three lives.
PSNI Chief Superintendent Mike Little
Officers searched a number of houses in the north of the city as part of an offensive against the Ulster Volunteer Force and Loyalist Volunteer Force groups.
Chief Superintendent Mike Little, the commander in charge of the operation, said: "Police are actively working to disrupt the activities of those we believe could be intent on increasing fear and intimidation.
"This ongoing operation will continue and any breaches of law will be dealt with robustly."
The searches were carried out as detectives tried to find new clues at the scene of the latest killing in the deepening turf war over drugs.
Stephen Paul (28) who had LVF connections, was gunned down outside his home off the Crumlin Road in north Belfast on Saturday. His uncle, William "Wassy" Paul, was a top drug dealer assassinated in Bangor, Co Down, seven years ago.
Another two men, Craig McCausland (20) and Jameson Lockhart were shot dead in the city last month in attacks blamed on the larger UVF.
Hundreds of its men also laid siege to an east Belfast housing estate in order to force families allegedly associated with the splinter LVF organisation out of their homes.
Police said 14 arrests have been made and seven suspects charged with offences linked to the feud. Mr Little urged those living in loyalist areas to help stop the violence. He added: "I'm again appealing for those with influence to use that influence to help bring this feud to an end.
"Police are doing all we can, but we need assistance from local communities. "I'm asking people who don't want to live in fear to come forward to us."
PA