British govt reviewing status of loyalist ceasefires

A British government verdict on the ceasefire status of loyalist paramilitary organisations who plotted ferocious rioting on the streets of the North will be given within days, Secretary of State Peter Hain revealed today.

After being briefed by Chief Constable Hugh Orde on the violence that raged across Belfast and surrounding towns for two nights, leaving at least 50 police officers injured, Mr Hain confirmed he was set to announce his course of action.