A police officer has been shot following loyalist violence in Northern Ireland.

The victim was taken to hospital, but his injuries are not life-threatening.

The married part-time officer was hurt when he intervened in the stand-off between 150 people at Castlemara Drive, Carrickfergus.

A civilian was stabbed during violent clashes and three men were arrested in a car with an arsenal of batons, CS spray and crossbows suspected of terrorism.

Chief Inspector David Moore has warned there could be retaliation.

He said: "History would tell us that this sort of thing very often leads to retaliation from one side or another.

"This is a policing matter, the whole community in Northern Ireland has moved on.

"There are some elements of it who clearly don't want to join us in the 21st century."