A leading north Belfast loyalist is believed to have fled Northern Ireland following a failed attempt to retake his former stomping ground.

Jim Simpson, who was once the leading UDA member in north Belfast, is said to have fled the province after he and his supporters failed to overthrow the current UDA leadership in the area.

Troubled flared in the Ballysillan and Glenbryn areas of the city on Monday evening as houses and businesses were attacked.

A number of families were also thought to have fled the country following the disturbances.

Known as the 'Bacardi Brigadier' due to his preference for alcohol during his time as the north Belfast UDA chief, Simpson was replaced by Andre Shoukri, also known as 'The Egyptian', last year.

However, Shoukri is currently serving six years in prison after being caught by police in possession of a pistol. His brother Ihab, who took over the north Belfast leadership following Andre's arrest, was later also jailed.

It is thought that Simpson attempted a coup while both men were in prison.

North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds described the situation as "the last thing north Belfast needs".

Sinn Fein representative for the area, Gerry Kelly also expressed concern at the development.

"History tells us that after periods of internal feuding unionist paramilitaries very quickly turn their violent attentions onto the wider nationalist population," he said.

(MB)