Nine arrested over cop arsons

DETECTIVES investigating a string of life-threatening arsons at the homes of cops in Northern Ireland have made nine arrests.

The serving police officers were targeted between April and July last year. Their vehicles and homes were attacked and in some cases destroyed.

Detectives searched properties in counties Antrim, Armagh and Down on Tuesday morning.

Six men and three women aged between 20 and 51 were arrested in Larne, Lisburn, Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon on suspicion of offences including arson with intent to endanger lives, theft, conspiracy to cause an explosion and possession of drugs with intent to supply, and were being questioned, cops said in a statement.