Leading members of rival loyalist paramilitary groups have met in Belfast, raising hopes of a possible end to a feud which has left seven men dead.
Loyalist sources have confirmed that senior representatives from the UDA and UVF held talks aimed at ending the loyalist infighting in west and north Belfast. Sources said much progress was made at the meeting and proposals would be brought back to the members.
It is believed that the UDA's inner council, along with other UDA members, met the five-strong UVF brigade staff, as well as two representatives of the UVF-aligned Red Hand Commando. Loyalist sources were generally optimistic yesterday that a truce would come soon.