10 officers hurt in Belfast violence

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has said that 10 officers had been injured during the latest night of violence in Belfast and other parts of the North.

The extent of injuries was not yet known, said a spokeswoman.

Meanwhile, Alliance Party leader David Ford issued a stinging rebuke to Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain for his failure to take action against the loyalist Ulster Volunteer Force.

He said that for months the UVF had been threatening, attacking and killing people in the North, yet the British government had done nothing and still formally recognised its ceasefire.

Last week, said Mr Ford, the Secretary of State admitted he had not even read a report on the UVF produced by the International Monitoring Commission (IMC) three days after it had been delivered to him.

“When Alliance proposed the setting-up of the IMC, we did expect that ministers would at least read its reports,” he said.

Following the massive violence in Belfast on Saturday, Mr Hain still did nothing against the UVF, he said.

“For months we have seen the (British) government trying to cling to a pathetic pretence of a ceasefire. They have only been concerned at attacks on the state and its forces.

“Surely Peter Hain can recognise that when live bullets are fired at the police and army, that constitutes a breach of even his definition of a ceasefire.”

The British government, it appeared, was no better than the Orange Order and unionist politicians in its unwillingness to take a firm stance against the paramilitaries, said Mr Ford.

“Specifying the UVF might not make an immediate difference on the ground. But Mr Hain needs to send out a message that the government is going to stand up to terrorism and defend decent citizens. It is time to specify the UVF.”