MP & MLAS WARNED OF SINISTER DEATH THREATS

Four ‘won’t be intimidated’ by loyalist thugs

POLITICIANS who received death threats from loyalist paramilitaries have vowed not to be intimidated.

Ulster Unionists Steve Aiken and Doug Beattie, the SDLP’S Patsy Mcglone and Stephen Farry of Alliance have been targeted.

All four have been warned about their personal safety by the PSNI.

It comes after similar threats were made last week against Sunday World and Sunday Life journalists.

Mr Mcglone, an MLA for Mid Ulster and Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, said neither he “nor journalists who have received threats will be silenced or censored”.

He added: “This is not the first time I’ve been threatened by paramilitaries but I can assure those responsible, I will not be silenced, censored or intimidated by faceless thugs.

“In the week of VE commemorations it is ironic and deeply sinister they have chosen to mimic fascist attacks on journalists and elected representatives.”

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood added: “Those responsible for this threat obviously don’t know Patsy Mcglone. He will not be broken or silenced by those intent on intimidating him and others.”

Mr Aiken, UUP leader and South Antrim MLA, said: “Having served in the Royal Navy for 30 years and in many operational environments, it is somewhat ironic to return home to Northern Ireland and be threatened by so-called loyalists. Threats against politicians and journalists by crime gangs are nothing less than fascism – it wouldn’t be tolerated in Glasgow, Manchester or London and it shouldn’t be tolerated here.”

Mr Beattie, the party’s justice spokesman and MLA for Upper Bann, added: “I have been threatened many times while serving my country in uniform and I treated those threats with contempt, as I do with this present threat.”

Aliance North Down MP Stephen Farry condemned the threats against himself and his fellow politicians.

He said: “My thoughts and solidarity are with them. None of us will be deterred in any way from standing up to paramilitaries and defending the freedom of the press.”

SCENE Property in Braeside area of Dungannon yesterday DESTROYED Truck was also targeted WRECKAGE Burnt out vehicle close to scene A HOUSE and suspected getaway car have been torched during an attack involving a group of masked men. Three males were arrested by police investigating the incident in the Braeside area of Dungannon, Co Tyrone, on Sunday. A caravan and truck were also destroyed. Shortly after 5.20pm, the PSNI were told a group of masked men armed with weapons approached a house. It was reported they damaged the front window and that an accelerant was poured into the property and set alight. No one is thought to have been inside. The males are believed to have left in a silver Volvo which was later found on fire at Ranfurly Road. A number of males were seen leaving that location in a black Ford Kuga. Upon arrival of police, two vehicles – a white Mercedes CLA and a silver Seat Ateca – attempted to leave the area. The Seat was stopped, while the Mercedes was located later. The three arrested males – aged 66, 47 and 16 – were later released on police bail pending further inquiries. A PSNI spokesperson said: “We are investigating a link between this incident and an altercation which took place on Friday, May 8, in the Braeside area in which two men, aged 22 and 21, were arrested and both were released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service.”

HITTING OUT Mr Farry, Mr Beattie & Mr Mcglone