UVF leaders in east Belfast ordered to 'stand down' by hierarchy

The leadership of the east Belfast Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) has been stood down, a number of sources have told BBC News NI.

Up to eight individuals have been removed from their positions.

The action is said to have been ordered by the paramilitary group's central hierarchy.

The east Belfast UVF has, for several years, been associated with involvement in serious criminality, such as drug dealing.

It has long been a priority target for the Police Service of Northern Ireland's (PSNI) paramilitary crime task force.

The move to stand down the leadership was revealed in a statement read at a number of Remembrance Sunday events.

It has not been seen by BBC News NI.

The paramilitary group is involved in dealing drugs and now eight of its leaders have been removed

However a senior loyalist source said it "became effective" from midnight and followed the conclusion of an internal "investigation" last week.

They said it was an attempt to "put clear blue sky between loyalism and those intent on criminal activity".

The PSNI is believed to be aware of the development.

A security source told BBC News NI that intelligence information points to the ousting of the east Belfast UVF leadership.

They said the police will be monitoring next steps closely.

Loyalism has been here before, promising to deal with criminality only for it to continue within its ranks.

But at the same time there will be those who see this is a positive step.

Time will be the judge.

Clearly it speaks to efforts by some in positions of influence within the UVF to embark on a transition journey.

In security circles no-one expects criminality to suddenly stop in east Belfast.

Will the former leadership now simply become an organised crime gang without the UVF badge?

And will it be a move which does not spark violence?