Three men arrested following gathering of loyalists in Belfast

All three arrested on suspicion of terrorism and other related offences

(Getty Images)

Police investigating a gathering of loyalists in east Belfast earlier this month have made three arrests.

The men, who are aged 58, 56 and 34, were arrested on suspicion of terrorism and other related offences, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) announced on Wednesday.

The arrests come after a large group of men were seen in the Pitt Park of Belfast on 2 February.

Video and images posted on social media showed most of those present wearing face coverings, dark clothing and hats or hoods.

Police have linked the incident to the east Belfast UVF paramilitary group.

The PSNI said detectives from the Criminal Investigation Branch and Paramilitary Crime Task Force are continuing their investigations.

Searches are ongoing in Lisburn and East Belfast.

PSNI detective chief superintendent, John McVea, said evidence is still being gathered and examined.

"Our investigation into the gathering at Pitt Park and activities linked to East Belfast UVF is continuing at pace and today's arrests were conducted under the Terrorism Act," he said.

"Those arrested will now be questioned in Musgrave Street Serious Crime Suite.

"We continue to gather and examine all available evidence in order to determine who was in Pitt Park on February 2 2021 and I would appeal to anyone in the community who has information or footage regarding the incident or criminality in the area, to contact the police."