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Bonfire attack 'link to protest' Bonfire attack 'link to protest'
(about 2 hours later)
A savage attack on a man in Larne on bonfire night is linked to a loyalist protest outside the homes of several people in the town last month. A savage attack on a man at a bonfire in Larne is being linked to a loyalist protest outside the homes of several people in the town last month.
He was taken to hospital with serious head injuries after the attack in the Cairngorm Drive area on 10 July.He was taken to hospital with serious head injuries after the attack in the Cairngorm Drive area on 10 July.
It is understood the attack was carried out by loyalist paramilitaries who wrongly believed he was part of a gang carrying out burglaries in the town.It is understood the attack was carried out by loyalist paramilitaries who wrongly believed he was part of a gang carrying out burglaries in the town.
The loyalist protest took place at about midnight on 26 July.The loyalist protest took place at about midnight on 26 July.
The attack on the 22-year-old man was one of a series of attacks on homes and vehicles on 10 July, which are understood to have been carried out by the same group.The attack on the 22-year-old man was one of a series of attacks on homes and vehicles on 10 July, which are understood to have been carried out by the same group.
The group of men are believed to be members of the South East Antrim UDA and UVF.The group of men are believed to be members of the South East Antrim UDA and UVF.
A security source told the BBC the men came into Larne to deal with a local gang who were rumoured to be responsible for a series of burglaries over the past number of months.A security source told the BBC the men came into Larne to deal with a local gang who were rumoured to be responsible for a series of burglaries over the past number of months.
Another source said the burglars previously had links to loyalist paramilitaries in the town, but a dispute arose after the gang allegedly targeted the home of a family who had connections to local paramilitaries.Another source said the burglars previously had links to loyalist paramilitaries in the town, but a dispute arose after the gang allegedly targeted the home of a family who had connections to local paramilitaries.
The man was attacked at a house in the Cairngorm Drive areaThe man was attacked at a house in the Cairngorm Drive area
It is understood other people alleged to have been members of the burglary gang have since left the town and are in hiding.It is understood other people alleged to have been members of the burglary gang have since left the town and are in hiding.
Last week, the mother of one man condemned police for allowing up to 60 loyalists to protest outside her home.Last week, the mother of one man condemned police for allowing up to 60 loyalists to protest outside her home.
"They have made accusations about someone in my family, but they know the person that they are not happy with does not reside at my home," she said."They have made accusations about someone in my family, but they know the person that they are not happy with does not reside at my home," she said.
"He doesn't live here and hasn't lived here for seven or eight months.""He doesn't live here and hasn't lived here for seven or eight months."
A police spokesman would not comment on whether there was an connection between the earlier incidents and the protest.A police spokesman would not comment on whether there was an connection between the earlier incidents and the protest.
He said a motive for the assault on the 10 July was under investigation.He said a motive for the assault on the 10 July was under investigation.
He also said that an ongoing investigation was being held to ascertain "what if any offences where committed by those participating in the protest".He also said that an ongoing investigation was being held to ascertain "what if any offences where committed by those participating in the protest".