UFF and Red Hand Defenders statements were 'forced'

A loyalist source in Belfast has claimed the statements from the UFF and Red Hand Defenders were made after the British Government sent word to UDA leaders, threatening to arrest and charge them for directing terrorism.

The source says the UDA leadership panicked when given the news and called an emergency meeting of its inner council meeting, made up of six so-called brigadiers.

The Red Hand Defenders ordered members to stand down in a statement last night.

The move comes following the condemnation by the Ulster Freedom Fighters of recent death threats issued against Catholic workers.

The Red Hand Defenders is regarded as a cover name for elements within the UFF and the LVF.

The UFF statement, issued last night, was seen as an effort by its central leadership to regain control within its organisation.

The UDA leadership had told the Red Hand Defenders to disband within 14 days or face what it calls "the circumstances".

The UDA also told the Red Hand Defenders to lift their threat against Catholic postal workers and teachers.