UDA denies involvement in tar-and-feather attack

The UDA has denied involvement in a punishment attack that saw an alleged drug dealer tarred and feathered in south Belfast during the weekend.

A Belfast newspaper has published a photograph of the incident, which happened on Sunday evening at Finwood Park in Taughmonagh.

The victim was apparently tarred and feathered, tied to a lamppost and made to wear a placard around his neck reading: "I'm a drug-dealing scumbag".

The political wing of the UDA has denied that the loyalist paramilitary group was involved, describing the attack as a "community reaction".

Callers to a local radio show in Belfast this morning also supported such punishment attacks by a majority of six to one.

According to Alban Maginness, a SDLP Assembly member, the UDA was to blame.

He said: “It is quite clear that it was an element of the UDA which was responsible for this.

“These things are not done spontaneously by the community. It would seem to be a very provocative act.”

But Mr Gallagher insisted the attack should have no bearing on the government ultimatum.

He also called for talks with the Minister, warning that her stance was posing new dangers.

“Margaret Ritchie’s actions are destabilising the loyalist community by doing things in a way that won‘t work,” he said.

“From the UPRG‘s perspective we would want to meet her as soon as possible.”

No comment on his allegations was available from the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

But a spokesman for the force confirmed officers were called out to Finwood Park, Taughmonagh on Sunday night.

“It‘s believed one man had been assaulted,” he said. “However, on the arrival of police no victim was located and no one came forward.”