POLICE have launched an investigation after a man was threatened at his north Belfast home by men claiming to be from an armed dissident republican gang.
It is under the man’s named appeared on a list claiming to ‘out’ drug dealers.
The threats were made against almost 50 people living in Ardoyne on a leaflet headed ‘Communities Against Drugs’,
The leaflet, which was circulated less than a week ago, claims to name “known drug pushers”, saying those named “must bring themselves forward”.
Chief Inspector Stephen Burns said police were investigating.
“Police are aware that some written material has been distributed in parts of north Belfast and we are currently carrying out enquiries into this matter,” he stated.
“We do not discuss allegations against individuals. However, circulating material such as this is intensely unhelpful and potentially dangerous.
“While we do not discuss the security of individuals, if we receive information that a person’s life may be at risk we will inform them accordingly. We never ignore anything which may put an individual at risk.
“No inference should be drawn from this.
“I also want to reassure the public that police are actively working with communities to address criminality and issues like drug dealing across all parts of Northern Ireland.”
The officer said that if anyone has concerns or information about any form of criminality, they should report it to police on the non-emergency number 101.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
North Belfast Sinn Fein MLA Caral Ni Chuilin hit out at the threats, saying one man had been threatened at his home yesterday after he was named on the list.
Ms Ni Chuilin said: “A list containing threats against almost 50 people, made by some unnamed organisation, has been circulating in the public arena in north Belfast over recent days.
“Sinn Fein has been contacted by mental health professionals who have made it clear that quite a number of those who have threatened are vulnerable individuals.
“Men claiming to be from an armed group called to the home of a man named on the list on Sunday and issued threats against him.
“I condemn those responsible for this activity.
“They should withdraw the threats immediately and desist from any further actions.”
Chief Inspector Stephen Burns said police were investigating. “Police are aware that some written material has been distributed in parts of north Belfast and we are currently carrying out enquiries into this matter,” he stated.
“We do not discuss allegations against individuals. However, circulating material such as this is intensely unhelpful and potentially dangerous.
“While we do not discuss the security of individuals, if we receive information that a person’s life may be at risk we will inform them accordingly. We never ignore anything which may put an individual at risk.
“No inference should be drawn from this.
“I also want to reassure the public that police are actively working with communities to address criminality and issues like drug dealing across all parts of Northern Ireland.”
The officer said that if anyone has concerns or information about any form of criminality, they should report it to police on the non-emergency number 101.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
