Two alleged members of the Ulster Volunteer Force have been arrested in connection with the sectarian intimidation of four Catholic families from a religiously mixed housing development in east Belfast.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed on Monday that the men, aged 37 and 40, were detained in the city and being questioned.
Four families were forced to leave their homes last month after the PSNI said they were under threat from the loyalist terrorist group.
During the summer, UVF and other loyalist paramilitary flags were erected in Cantrell Close before the death threats were made.
Last week Ch Con George Hamilton confirmed that the PSNI were investigating a UVF link to the intimidation. The paramilitary group is supposed to be on ceasefire and inactive.
DCI Gary Reid said: “Detectives from the criminal investigation branch have today arrested two men in east Belfast under the Terrorism Act on suspicion of membership of a proscribed organisation, namely the UVF.
“The men, aged 37 and 40, have been taken to Musgrave serious crime suite where they are currently helping police with their inquiries.”
He added: “Police are continuing to investigate the intimidation of families in Cantrell Close and the chief constable has recently said he believes the UVF are responsible for this. Today’s arrests are part of our ongoing investigation into the UVF in east Belfast, including the intimidation of families in Cantrell Close.”
Last week the chief constable of the PSNI said he was not sure if the threats were supported by the leadership of the terrorist group, which he described as “chaotic and disorganised”, or if they were made by individual members. But when asked outright if it was the UVF, he replied: “Yes.”
