Unionist held under PTA

A Unionist politician is one of nine people being held in Scotland under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Lindsay Robb, a member of the Progressive Unionist Party, which has links with loyalist paramilitary groups, is among eight men who have been detained north of the border in recent days. A ninth man was detained in Liverpool yesterday and has been taken to Glasgow.

Strathclyde police said the men, aged between 23 and 48, were detained following four separate raids on addresses in Scotland and Merseyside since Sunday.

Chief Inspector Mike Dean, who is leading the inquiry, said yesterday he could not confirm or deny reports that Mr Robb had been arrested. But David Ervine, a spokesman for the PUP, said: "He is a member of the party and has been arrested on the mainland." Mr Ervine said he was "wholly unaware of the circumstances" surrounding Mr Robb's detention.

No charges have been made and the men are likely to remain in custody until the weekend.