Up to 300 people have been warned by police in Northern Ireland they could be under threat from the "Real IRA", it was reported tonight.
Police have been visiting people across the North to give warnings following the uncovering of an alleged dissident republican spy operation at a Belfast hospital.
A clerk employed at the Royal Victoria Hospital with access to patient files has been charged with possessing information likely to be of use to terrorists.
It is alleged he accessed patient files to get details of members of the policing board, the district policing partnership, politicians and police officers.
Unionist politicians demanded action over the security breach at the hospital and a break-in at the Prison Service headquarters at Stormont during which 30 demonstrators spent an hour in an office full of sensitive files.
The Rev Ian Paisley, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, met Chief Constable Hugh Orde today and said afterwards security warnings were being issued to "up to 300 people, and it could be more, who are now put in grave difficulty."
Mr Jim Rodgers, chairman of the Belfast district policing partnership, convened an emergency meeting of his group to discuss threats to members.
Acting Assistant Chief Constable Maggie Hunter met the 19 members to discuss their fears after it was confirmed several - including five non political members - had been warned about their security.
Mr Rodgers, a senior member of the Ulster Unionist Party, said: "Everybody is really angry over the threats and we are calling on the 'Real IRA' to withdraw them."
He said Ms Hunter had told the meeting that "over 300 people" were being warned about their security by police and added "that figure could grow."
Mr Orde had said there would be security, if necessary, provided for members of the DPPs, which were set up earlier this year to provide local input into local policing.
"We are going to hold Mr Orde to his word and we want to know what he will provide," said Mr Rodgers who is seeking an urgent meeting with the Chief Constable.
Despite talk of people considering quitting the Belfast DPP because of the threats, they were all "standing firm," said Mr Rodgers.
"People are still worried and nervous, but want to wait and see what the police will provide - if you do quit you are seen to be giving in to terrorists."
PA