DUP MP's Peter Robinson and Nigel Dodds have called for calm in their respective constituencies ahead of this summer's marching season.

Both men, who represent east and north Belfast respectively, said the unionist community would gain nothing "by being drawn into activities which threaten lives and livelihoods".

In a joint statement, the pair said: “In recent years, north and east Belfast have witnessed some of the worst of the disturbances over the summer months.

"As the Members of Parliament for these areas, we are therefore urging calm as we approach what is traditionally the most dangerous period of the year.

"In past years, situations have spiralled out of control to an extent where trouble became a daily occurrence and many people lived in constant fear. We must do all in our power to prevent this vicious circle of violence."

Mr Robinson and Mr Dodds said they had spoken to local community groups who were actively engaged in work that can bring a peaceful and calm summer.

"We salute their efforts. They have our support and that of the wider community," they said.

Welcoming today's joint statement, Sinn Féin president, Gerry Adams said it was important that this sentiment was acted upon at all levels of the community.

"A peaceful summer would bring enormous relief for families and communities who have had to suffer the effects of interface conflict in the past," the West Belfast MP said. "A peaceful summer would also make a significant contribution to rebuilding confidence in the political process.

"Two of our MLAs, Gerry Kelly and Alex Maskey, are currently engaged in intensive contacts with civic society, the community and voluntary sector, and political opinion across all sections of society with the objective of ensuring a peaceful summer."

(MB)