Weekend violence fear prompts CCTV plea

Loyalists in north Belfast have urged the police to have all available closed circuit TV cameras operating amid fears of weekend…

Loyalists in north Belfast have urged the police to have all available closed circuit TV cameras operating amid fears of weekend violence.

With the Rangers versus Celtic football match today expected to heighten tensions in flashpoint areas, Ulster Political Research Group spokesman Mr Tommy Kirkham insisted extra security reassurances are needed.

He said: "People in Protestant areas of north Belfast, especially the White City, want to know that all CCTV equipment is fully operational.

"The police should be mindful of the potential for trouble."

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Mr Kirkham also called on security chiefs to provide statistics outlining the number of convictions secured using cameras erected along the sectarian interfaces.

"This would prove conclusively that they are fully operational."

Pubs in flashpoint areas have previously been shut during Old Firm games in a bid to defuse sectarian tensions.

But a Police Service of Northern Ireland spokeswoman last night confirmed there were no plans to close down any bars during the game.

She said: "There will be increased resources on the ground as contingency measures."

Police also insisted any CCTVs they own should be working as they are constantly monitored.

Sinn Fein councillor Mr Eoin O'Broin rejected claims that nationalists could start trouble. "We are aware of the tensions around matches like this and we will do everything in our power to ensure calm," he said.

"Everybody should enjoy the match whatever the result and not engage in any type of confrontation or provocation from others."

PA