Nine arrests have been made in Northern Ireland in connection with a series of life-threatening arsons at police officers' homes.

Officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) were targeted between April and July last year. Their vehicles and homes were attacked and in some cases destroyed.

Detectives searched properties in Antrim, Armagh and County Down this morning (February 21).

Six men and three women aged between 20 and 51 have been arrested 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, a PSNI statement said.

Detective inspector Keith Gawley said: "The suspects have been taken to Musgrave Police Station for questioning and a number of items have been removed for further examination."

He added: "This investigation also focuses on offences involving drugs."