Third Catholic family forced to flee after threats

A Catholic family was forced to flee their south Belfast home tonight under a police escort after they allegedly received threats from loyalist paramilitaries.

The family, who have four children, left their Delhi Street home after allegedly receiving a second threat from the Ulster Freedom Fighters, a cover name for the Ulster Defence Association.

They were the third Catholic family to flee the area after allegedly receiving threats from the organisation since Easter weekend.

SDLP Councillor Peter O’Reilly, who tonight helped the family move some of their belongings, said they were terrified.

It is understood men claiming to be from the paramilitary organisation threatened the family last week. Tonight, police arrived at the home to pass on a second threat, which vowed to burn the family out if they did not leave.

Another Catholic family fled their home on Tuesday night after receiving threats and having their windows smashed. Their elderly mother, who lived in a separate house, also left.

Mr O’Reilly said he was disgusted by tonight’s events.

“It’s a total disgrace that people are being put out of their homes in this day and age,” he said.

“It is a very sad thing to see, and now these families will have to move home and start their lives again somewhere else.

“It is very unsettling for the children, and the lives of everyone in the family will be disrupted.”

Sinn Fein MLA Alex Maskey also condemned the incident.

“Three families were forced to leave Ballynafeigh in recent days by elements of the UDA intent on escalating tensions,” he said.

“The UDA in that area are actively recruiting people to their ranks and seeking to cause trouble.

“The painting of new loyalist paramilitary murals is also a worrying development as we approach the loyalist marching season.”

A police spokeswoman confirmed an operation was ongoing, although she said she could not comment on the personal security of individuals.