23/01/2002

Bullets and death threats intercepted at postal sorting office

Package’s containing live ammunition, and death threats sent to two prominent campaign leaders, have been intercepted by a postal sorting office in Mallusk.

The packages, addressed to Breandan MacCionnaith of the Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition and Gerard Rice of the Lower Ormeau Community Council, were intercepted by postal staff at the Royal Mail sorting office and passed on to the police for examination late on Tuesday January 22.

Both packages, allegedly from the Orange Volunteers, contained live ammunition and death threats.

Mr MacCionnath said he would be taking the threats “very seriously” and that the letter contained a veiled threat in relation to a meeting he was invited to attend in Portadown, which has been organised by the Parades Commission, this weekend. Speaking on Wednesday, Mr MacCionnath said his attendance at the event was now “highly questionable”.

Mr MacCionniath said he had been contacted by a senior member of the Irish Government who said they would be bringing the threats issued to the men during talks with the police and the British Government.

South Belfast Sinn Féin councillor Alex Maskey said: “These bullets are the latest in attempts by loyalists to intimidate nationalists and their chosen spokespeople. The fact that these were sent to two people who have stood firmly with their respective communities against the bigotry of the Orange Order comes as no surprise.” (AMcE)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

14 November 2024
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
14 February 2003
Loyalist death threats condemned by postal unions
The Royal Mail have confirmed that they are treating loyalist death threats made against postal workers in Belfast seriously. Postal unions have condemned the threats and the Royal Mail are understood to be in discussions with police to increase security for postal workers. It is reported that two of the employees threatened are managers.
15 July 2003
Police investigate death threats against postal workers
Police are investigating death threats issued to two Catholic postal workers in Londonderry at the weekend. The two workers received 'sympathy' cards to their separate home addresses, which were marked 'Ulster Volunteer Force' inside. The workers have taken leave off work after receiving the cards on Saturday.
15 February 2002
Postal workers in Derry receive death threats
Death threats from a previously unheard of loyalist paramilitary group have again disrupted some postal services in Derry city. The threat came in the form of a letter signed by 'Waterside Young Loyalists' warning 11 Royal Mail workers not to enter the predominantly Protestant Waterside area of the city.
17 November 2014
Death Threats Lifted Against Community Wardens
Dissident republican death threats made against community support workers at Derry City Council have been lifted. It is understood the trade union NIPSA has confirmed that threats, made on two separate occasions against the council's community workers, have now been lifted.