No paramilitary involvement in threats to port workers, say police

By Michael McHugh, David Young and Michelle Devane, PA

Loyalist paramilitaries are not involved in threats made to workers conducting post-Brexit trade checks at Northern Ireland’s ports, police have said.

Disgruntled individuals or small groups may be responsible, rather than the organised gangs that once instigated serious violence.

Inspections of goods arriving at Larne and Belfast ports were suspended on Monday and officials withdrawn after sinister graffiti and reports of intelligence-gathering on inspectors.

The European Commission said Brussels’ representatives were also being temporarily withdrawn from duties at the ports.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is stepping up patrols near the ports.

Graffiti reading 'No Irish Sea border' near Belfast City centre. Outgoing Stormont minister Edwin Poots has appealed for calm heads after Brexit port checks were suspended over threatening loyalist behaviour. PA Photo

Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan said: “We are concerned about the actions of a number of individuals and small groups.

“We don’t believe that those actions are organised. But they do give us cause for concern.”

Loyalists are angry at what they see as the imposition of a new economic frontier with the rest of the UK due to the Northern Ireland Protocol keeping the Irish land border open.

Lorries arriving at new inspection facilities at Belfast Port on Tuesday morning were turned around and redirected by Border Force officials.

PA PICTURE DESK Border Force officers talk to a lorry driver at a checking facility near Belfast Port, as outgoing Stormont minister Edwin Poots has appealed for calm heads after Brexit port checks were suspended over threatening loyalist behaviour. PA photo

Mr McEwan told the PA news agency: “We are aware of a single anonymous piece of information that has been circulating and that has caused real concern to staff and to their employers.

“We were able to share with partners our assessment today that there is absolutely no information to substantiate or corroborate the claims made that paramilitary organisations are involved or behind threats or intimidation to staff at points of entry.”

Mr McEwan said recent weeks had seen increased “tensions and discontent” within the community in relation to the Northern Ireland Protocol.

A sign at Larne Port as vehicles arrive from GB. The police presence around the port has been stepped up. Pics: Alan Lewis.