04 June 2002

City Police Chief says paramilitaries behind violence

The Assistant Chief Constable for Belfast Alan McQuillan has said he believes loyalist and republican paramilitaries are responsible for the recent violence in east Belfast in which five people were shot.

Last night's trouble was again centred on the Lower Newtownards Road, where Protestants clashed with Catholics living in the adjacent Short Strand.

Two Protestants were wounded by a republican gunman while a bus driver was injured by flying glass after his vehicle came under attack from loyalists in the area.

More than 20 police officers were injured and one police officer sustained a gunshot wound to his lower leg during the serious fighting, which at times involved up 1,000 rioters.

A total of 13 shots were fired at security forces, who returned six baton rounds, hitting a gunman who was dragged away. Two arrests were made.

Speaking on a local radio programme Mr McQuillan said: “On the loyalist side, we see clear evidence that the UDA and the UVF have been involved in this."

“Certainly in terms of the street disorder on the republican side we have seen large numbers of members of the IRA, many of them from outside the area, in the area.

“We believe that they are involved in organising the violence.”

A high security force presence was maintained in the area on Tuesday with additional resources ready to be deployed.

Assistant Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn has urged both communities to pull back, warning them that they were “sleepwalking into the abyss”.

He further warned that someone would die if steps weren't taken to end the conflict.

Speaking on Tuesday morning Security Minister Jane Kennedy said the use of guns during the disturbances was a “worrying development” and that paramilitary ceasefires were constantly under review.

She said she would advise paramilitaries and their political representatives on the ground to ensure the violence stopped.

(AMcE)