Outrage as loyalist paramilitaries threaten residents out of Belfast homes

Belfast political representatives have expressed outrage over UDA intimidation of Catholics and foreign nationals in parts of Belfast.

Police have stepped up patrols in mixed social housing in the Old Park area in the north of the city after some residents were forced out of their homes.

The latest family left in fear over the weekend. The UDA threats have been widely condemned, and a multi-agency meeting is due to be held on Tuesday to address the intimidation.

Sinn Féin MLA Caral ni Chuilin told UTV it was 'disgraceful we are talking of the UDA as a housing association'.

The DUP's Brian Kingston said the incidents were "not wanted and the vast majority of people would be appalled".

In a statement, the PSNI said: "[We] are aware of recent media reports in relation to sectarian intimidation in the Annalee Street area of north Belfast. We recognise the concerns such reporting may raise and want to assure the community that officers are actively working to establish the full facts.

"Intimidation of any kind has no place in society. Every individual has the right to live in peace, free from fear, in their own homes. Where those rights are threatened, police will leave no stone unturned in seeking to identify perpetrators and bring them before the courts.

"We have strengthened our policing footprint in the area and are making full use of the wide range of tools and tactics available to us to disrupt criminality and keep people safe."

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