SDLP wants co-ordinated effort against loyalist attacks

The SDLP is to meet the Northern Security Minister and the RUC Chief Constable today to demand a co-ordinated approach against loyalist attacks on nationalist homes.

Three houses were fired on in the North overnight and two pipe bombs were thrown at others in an escalating loyalist campaign.

One of the SDLP delegation, Danny O'Connor from Larne, said they have been complaining for months about the lack of an adequate police response.

His colleague, John Dallat from Coleraine, said the range and volume of the attacks suggested that they were well-planned.

Meanwhile, the overnight pipe bombing in Lurgan has now been confirmed as part of a feud between the LVF and UVF.

The target, loyalist Barry Bradbury, said the RUC had warned him only hours earlier.