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UVF’s show of force in East Belfast ‘linked to internal drug tensions’ https://t.co/SVuzZ6gDIe
– Belfast News Letter (@News_Letter) February 4, 2021
The PSNI is investigating a gathering of masked persons in East Belfast on Tuesday afternoon.
On Tuesday, in the Pitt Park area of East Belfast, dozens of men were seen wearing face covers and hoods or hats to hide their identities in a video that was circulated on social media.
The BBC reports that the incident is related to “an internal dispute” within the loyal paramilitary Ulster Volunteer Force. The Bulletin reports that the incident is linked to “internal tensions over drugs.”
Belfast District Commander Chief Superintendent Simon Walls said that as soon as they learned of the incident, “we deployed resources.”
An investigation was launched and evidence was collected. The PSNI will increase the “resources in the area” for the next few days.
Walls said: “If anyone has information about the incident or crime in the area, I would ask them to contact the police immediately on 101 or alternatively information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Sinn Féin MLA and police surveillance spokesman Gerry Kelly said the PSNI has serious questions to answer about its response to the incident.
“The PSNI attended the scene while the UVF mafia was still roaming the community and made minimal efforts to intervene.
“It has been reported that the mafia was preparing to attack a home and instead of challenging those involved, the PSNI simply drove the gang out of the area.
“For the duration of [Tuesday], UVF East Belfast forced several families to leave their homes and take refuge in a local community center. “
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Kelly is referring to the Ballymac Friendship Center, which said yesterday morning that it had to close the center until further notice “due to threats made to staff members and volunteers.”
The community center provides services and meals to local residents.
Kelly said: “The significant intervention and action of PSNI in the early stages of this UVF ‘show of force’ could have prevented this escalation of events.”
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