Bell disgusted by North Down paramilitary attacks

12.00.00am GMT Fri 19th Mar 2004

ALLIANCE North Down Assembly member and Victims Spokesperson Eileen Bell has expressed her disgust that North Down has topped the table for paramilitary-style beatings.

The Alliance Deputy Leader stated: "I am disgusted but not surprised that North Down has topped the table for paramilitary-style beatings. It is contemptible that loyalist groups are carrying out these horrific attacks by night and being feted by governments by day.

"People in North Down feel there has been a general increase in violence, particularly against the young and elderly. While I know the PSNI have been working hard to counter it, I am afraid that without the assistance of the community, the problem will get worse.

"I would encourage ordinary people to report those behind paramilitary violence to the police, even if that means using the confidential Crimestoppers hotline, which ensures anonymity. Saying nothing condemns us all to live under the jackboot of these thugs and cowards as they dispense their abhorrent version of 'justice'."