Threats Issued To Derry Parking Wardens

Threats made against traffic wardens and TV licensing workers in Londonderry have been described as "despicable" by the PSNI.

A letter detailing the threat was left at Long Tower church in the city at the weekend.

It was issued by a group calling itself the Bogside Republican Action Group.

Police are investigating whether the threat has been made by an individual or a credible organisation.

The letter said "force" would be used against officials, according to Chief Inspector Chris Yates.

He called on paramilitary groupings in the area to come forward and make a statement on the situation.

"They need to say whether they are involved with this or not, so we can assess the actual level of this threat, so these people can get on with their work," said the Chief Inspector.

The NCP's Tim Cowan said parking wardens were continuing to operate as normal in the city.

"We are aiming to meet with the police to find out a bit more, but we hope it's nothing more than a bit of nonsense," Mr Cowan told the BBC.

"We certainly wouldn't put our staff at any risk, however, we've spoken to them this morning and they're happy to do their normal duties," he added.

Last year, similar threats were made to parking attendants working in parts of Belfast. Dissident republicans were believed to be behind the warnings.

Workers at at the Northern Ireland Vehicle and Testing Agency have also be targeted by groups, threatening to take action over the department's links with customs officials.

Environment Minister Sammy Wilson strongly condemned the threats made against his staff.

(PR/JM)