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Writer's pictureLove Ballymena

Concern over tensions in community but no evidence of paramilitary involvement


PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan

Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan hosted a meeting today with key partner agencies to discuss the ongoing tensions surrounding Brexit arrangements at the ports of Larne and Belfast.


After the discussions with the Dept of Agriculture, Environment and Rural affairs (DAERA), local Councils, Department of Justice, Northern Ireland Office, Border Force and Belfast Harbour Police, ACC Mark McEwan said:

“I am concerned about signs of tension within the community in recent weeks. We’ve seen graffiti at various sites and other forms of intimidation on social media. Our investigations into these incidents are ongoing.

“In relation to an anonymous piece of information claiming paramilitary involvement in threats, I have briefed partners that we have no information to substantiate or corroborate these claims at this time.

“Keeping people safe is our priority and the safety of staff working at points of entry is of the utmost importance to us.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners to provide them and their staff with support. We have increased patrols at the points of entry in order to reassure staff and the local community.”






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