Appeals made over Moffett funeral

Politicians in the North have today called for people to be allowed to attend the funeral of murdered loyalist Bobby Moffett …

Politicians in the North have today called for people to be allowed to attend the funeral of murdered loyalist Bobby Moffett without fear.

In a statement today, Progressive Unionist Party leader Dawn Purvis urged an end to attempts at intimidation in the Shankill area following the shooting dead of Mr Moffett (43) last Friday afternoon.

"The PUP strongly supports the rights of all individuals who would like to express their grief over the killing of Bobby Moffett and support for the Moffett family to freely attend all funeral and memorial services without fear.

"People who would like to register a protest over the killing should be able to do so peacefully and lawfully," the MLA said.

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DUP MP Nigel Dodds made a similar call amid increasing tensions.

"People should be free to come to the funeral to express condolences, as a result of his brutal murder and to stand with the family. Let us hope there will be people who will all come out and stand together and show their revulsion at this terrible event."

A 35-year-old man is still being held in connection with Mr Moffett's killing.

Elswhere, another man (25) was last night charged with possession of items useful to terrorists following a search of a house in the Shankill area of Belfast on Monday.

The search was conducted by officers investigating the murder of loyalist Bobby Moffett in Belfast, but the PSNI stressed the charge and items were not linked to the killing.

The accused was due to appear at Laganside Magistrates’ Court this morning.

PA