Loyalists agree no strike policy in Belfast

The Loyalist Commission, a body including paramilitary representatives, today issued a statement agreeing no first strike in flashpoint areas of Belfast.

The loyalist initiative to reduce tensions in Belfast has been put on hold after a fresh bout of rioting in the east of the city last night.

Members of the Loyalist Commission, an umbrella group representing paramilitaries, politicians and church leaders, met yesterday to formulate a plan.

But later they announced it was staying on the drawing board after the new clashes.