Stormont executive issues joint call for threats against workers conducting Brexit port checks to be lifted immediately
It follows graffiti opposing Irish Sea border checks being daubed in some loyalist areas, with port staff referred to as targets
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Police patrols have been stepped up at Larne and Belfast ports. Credit: Pacemaker
Police Service of Northern Ireland Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan said there was no evidence to suggest loyalist paramilitary groups were behind the threatening behaviour aimed at port staff.
Police believe disgruntled individuals or small groups were behind the incidents.
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Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan said: 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.
| UPDATED: 07:57, Wed, Feb 3, 2021
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This week, Edwin Poots, the Northern Ireland Minister for Agriculture, said he had decided to withdraw staff from the port of Belfast as well as Larne after “sinister and menacing” graffiti sparked concerned over staff safety and welfare.
Brexit: Animal-based food checks at ports suspended
Published
image captionThe first lorries to cross the sea border arrived in NI on January 4
Checks on animal and food products at Larne and Belfast ports have been suspended amid concerns for staff safety.
The Department of Agriculture said this was pending talks with the PSNI.
This comes after Mid and East Antrim Council withdrew staff from Brexit inspection duties at Larne Port over security concerns.
Graffiti opposing the Irish Sea border has been painted in some loyalist areas of Northern Ireland in recent days.
The mayor of Larne, the DUP s Peter Johnston, said the council decision had been taken due to menacing behaviour referencing growing tensions over the NI Protocol.