The DUP MP Jim Shannon has called on the PSNI to use "every power in their arsenal" to defeat thugs operating in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards, after shotgun shells were left outside a series of houses.

He called the development "disgraceful," "sinister," "shocking," and "disgusting".

The PSNI said it had received seven such reports of the ammunition "left outside properties due to have brand new tenants and homes with new residents" in Weaver's Grange.

It is just the latest incident in the area, which is a neat, newly-built bul-de-sac of homes.

placeholder image — Weaver's Grange, built several years ago on the site of an old factory

Here, based on police and court reports, are some of the incidents there since 2021, which police believe to be connected to drugs and the UDA:

– April 2, 2021: Baseball bat attack

– May 22, 2021: Reports of another baseball attack, and incident involving a gun

– March 30, 2023: 10 men arrested in the Weavers Grange area in connection "with attacks on homes by rival factions previously linked to the UDA" said police

– April 6, 2023: Police called as a crowd of 50 or so gather in Weavers Grange and "remove South East Antrim UDA insignia".

– April 8, 2023: Class A drugs and petrol bombs seized in searches, two arrests

– May 1, 2023: Car petrol bombed

– May 2, 2023: "A number of petrol bombs thrown at a property in the Weavers Grange area" said police

– May 22, 2023: Car petrol bombed

– June 9, 2023: 11 men arrested over "criminal activity in the Weaver’s Grange area"

– July 8, 2023: Police report "apparent show of strength"

– July 26, 2023: Class A drugs seized from a car, man charged with possession

– August 17, 2023: Man arrested over drug dealing

– September 22, 2023: Damage to windows and graffiti on walls of several houses

– October 6, 2023: Two men arrested "on suspicion of a number of offences including carrying an article in support of a proscribed organisation and arson with intent to endanger life"