Loyalists behind most paramilitary attacks

SINCE the start of this year, there have been 88 paramilitary attacks, almost two-thirds attributed to loyalists.

The postponement of the Northern Ireland elections could cause a renewed upsurge in sectarian violence, it was warned last night.

Figures from the Police Service of Northern Ireland show there were 54 shootings and 34 assaults up to the end of April. Loyalists carried out 32 of the shootings and 24 of the assaults, while republicans were responsible for 22 of the shootings and eight assaults.