PSNI: Feud may lead to more deaths

Another person could be killed if a bloody feud in West Belfast continues, police warned today.

The latest petrol bombing incident in Ballymurphy saw four people escape injury in an attack which has been linked to the Gerard Devlin murder feud.

Last night’s incident in Dermothill Park saw a number of petrol bombs thrown through a conservatory window.

Mr Purce added: "We have received 600 reported incidents in relation to this and we have a 24-hour policing service in the area.

“We will remain here as long as it takes to ensure that no further incidents take place.”

Police have revealed that car crime within West Belfast increased during the last seven months by 48% and burglary rose by 15% and attributed this to diverting resources to deal with the Ballymurphy fall-out.

Petrol bombs have been thrown in the past at relatives of the Notorantonio family.

Police have charged four members of the clan with the killing.

Mr Purce denied claims from people in the area that officers are not doing enough and he said they were committed to resolving the matter.

“I certainly don’t think that criticisms are justified and we have a 24-hour police presence within Ballymurphy.”

He added that another fatality was “our big fear” and said they did not want another tragedy like Gerard Devlin.

He added that the PSNI was not trying to stigmatise Ballymurphy but admitted the fall-out had taken up a lot of police time.

The money has been spent on patrolling daily as well as using riot police when tensions are high.