Loyalist group warns Red Hand Defenders

The loyalist group, the Ulster Freedom Fighters, has issued a statement condemning death threats against Catholic teachers and postal workers.

The group also calls on the Red Hand Defenders to stand down within 14 days or suffer the consequences.

The Red Hand Defenders issued the threat last weekend. It is regarded as a cover name used by the UFF and the Ulster Defence Association to carry out violence.

But in its statement the terror group denied it had ever used any other name as a flag of convenience.

It claimed the actions of the Red Hand Defenders were a deliberate attempt to undermine loyalism.

"We will not tolerate any longer the damage that you are doing to the loyalist cause and to the reputation of the UFF," the statement said.

John White, former chairman of the defunct Ulster Democratic Party, which was linked to the UFF and its sister organisation the UDA, says he believes the statement is genuine.

But he accepts many people will view it with disbelief as the East Antrim Brigade of the UDA claimed responsibility for the murder of Mr McColgan.

"I'm still of the view that the UDA is still committed to its ceasefire," he said. "I know that is a contradiction.

"I'm not absolutely certain why this murder occurred but I'm confident there isn't going to be an escalation of violence."