End of LVF likely as symbols removed

FLAGS have been taken down and murals painted over ahead of a loyalist paramilitary organisation’s anticipated disbandment.

Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF) trappings were removed from one of its strongholds in the Ballysillan district of north Belfast.

Negotiators trying to end a violent feud between the LVF and rival terrorists said it was part of a strategy to wind up the group before the end of the year.