'Sinister and ugly' threats to North's port staff condemned

The European Commission has told its staff at the ports to stay at home because of the threats, which are believed to come from loyalist crime groups

Graffiti reading 'No Irish Sea border' near Belfast City centre. The European Commission has told its staff at two ports to stay at home because of threats and intimidation believed to come from loyalist crime groups. Picture: David Young/PA

The Taoiseach has hit out at the "sinister and ugly" threats which have led to a suspension of Brexit checks at two ports in Northern Ireland.

The North's Department of Agriculture (DAERA) confirmed that it has suspended Brexit checks on food and animal products at Larne and Belfast amid the appearance of threatening graffiti around the ports and across the region.