Jim Dowson arrested in union flag protest probe

Loyalist campaigner Jim Dowson has been arrested in east Belfast by police investigating offences linked to union flag protests in Northern Ireland.

The arrest of Mr Dowson, a former British National Party fundraiser, follows those of two other loyalists, Willie Frazer and Jamie Bryson.

Mr Frazer, who faces six charges linked to the ongoing union flag protests in Belfast, has been refused bail.

Mr Bryson who was arrested on Thursday, also faces six charges.

He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates Court on Saturday.

There have been protests since Belfast City Council voted on 3 December to limit the flying of the union flag from city hall.