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25/07/2005
Bomb and arson attacks linked to loyalist feud
Police are linking separate bomb and arson attacks in north Belfast to an ongoing loyalist feud in the area.
Detectives said they believe ongoing trouble between the UVF and LVF may be the motive behind a fire which caused extensive damage to a taxi depot, and two other properties, on the Ballysillan Road at about 3am on Sunday.
A short time later a blast bomb was thrown at a house in the Westway area of Ballygomartin at about 4am. No-one was injured in either incident.
Meanwhile, crowds of people, believed to be linked to the UVF, are said to be congregating in the Garnerville area of east Belfast in an effort to force those with links to the LVF out of the district.
On Monday, DUP MP for East Antrim Sammy Wilson said those gathering in the area were aiming to "intimidate and create fear".
"I think the police could do more,” Mr Wilson said. “The police obviously know why the men are standing around as they are at present.
"For the people watching this at the weekend to see the police looking so powerless only undermines the credibility and the authority of the police.”
However, a spokesperson for the PSN appealed for calm and urged those in the community “with influence to use that influence”.
"We are very much aware of the concerns of the local community - these situations cannot be resolved by the police alone - but let me reassure you my officers are on the ground and working hard to resolve tensions,” he said.
(MB/SP)
Detectives said they believe ongoing trouble between the UVF and LVF may be the motive behind a fire which caused extensive damage to a taxi depot, and two other properties, on the Ballysillan Road at about 3am on Sunday.
A short time later a blast bomb was thrown at a house in the Westway area of Ballygomartin at about 4am. No-one was injured in either incident.
Meanwhile, crowds of people, believed to be linked to the UVF, are said to be congregating in the Garnerville area of east Belfast in an effort to force those with links to the LVF out of the district.
On Monday, DUP MP for East Antrim Sammy Wilson said those gathering in the area were aiming to "intimidate and create fear".
"I think the police could do more,” Mr Wilson said. “The police obviously know why the men are standing around as they are at present.
"For the people watching this at the weekend to see the police looking so powerless only undermines the credibility and the authority of the police.”
However, a spokesperson for the PSN appealed for calm and urged those in the community “with influence to use that influence”.
"We are very much aware of the concerns of the local community - these situations cannot be resolved by the police alone - but let me reassure you my officers are on the ground and working hard to resolve tensions,” he said.
(MB/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Storm Bert will move east through the Northern Isles today. Though weakening it will still bring strong to gale winds to many in Northern Ireland and showers to all, these frequent, occasionally heavy across northern districts. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Strong west to northwest winds easing overnight. Showers, most frequent during the evening and in north but dwindling overnight to leave most dry and bright come dawn. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
