Police officer shot in Northern Ireland

CARRICKFERGUS, Northern Ireland, July 22 (UPI) -- A police officer in Northern Ireland was hospitalized after being shot following a disturbance involving rival factions of the Ulster Defense Association.

The officer was wounded Saturday night in County Antrim and was expected to recovery from his wounds, said Chief Inspector David Moore.

One civilian also was injured and three men were arrested following the disturbance in Carrickfergus, The Telegraph reported Sunday.

Known for factional infighting, the group has been linked to drug-dealing and racketeering in Protestant regions in Ireland, the British newspaper said.