Police hit out at 'sinister' loyalist posters

Police in Ballymena say they regard posters that have appeared in Ahoghill as a further "sinister" development in the area.

Chief Inspector Stephen Martin said the wording of the posters contain "an implicit threat to those in the immediate area who are perceived by some not to be ‘The Loyalist People of Ahoghill'".

“There is also a more explicit threat to people in other areas – couched in terms of being a response to any actions by a republican grouping," Chief Inspector Martin said.

“This kind of rhetoric must be condemned by everyone in the community. Tit-for-tat threats or actual violence cannot be tolerated by anyone.

“I view these posters as being a contemptible effort to justify violence that has already occurred, or may in future happen.

“Anyone with a genuine interest in goodwill in Ballymena in general and Ahoghill in particular must show their opposition to such threats by giving police the information we need to bring to justice those whose only contribution is to foster fear and hatred.”

Anyone who saw the posters being put up, or can help identify those behind the campaign, is asked to contact detectives on 028 2565 3355, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

(MB/SP)