Police chief to meet loyalists

Northern Ireland Chief Constable Hugh Orde is due to meet loyalist paramilitary representatives tonight.

His talks with Ulster Volunteer Force and Ulster Defence Association representatives will be the first since he took over last year.

It is understood loyalists are to raise concerns over alleged police harassment in their communities.

One source said: “Irish nationalists and republicans get a police service that respects their cultural and political backgrounds.

“But loyalists have a force that treats them as nothing more than criminals.”

At least 12 members of the Loyalist Commission, an umbrella organisation involving church leaders, politicians and paramilitaries, are set to attend the meeting.