Alliance Councillor Kate Nicholl has confirmed she has written to the PSNI after a mother and two sons were forced to leave their South Belfast home under threat from the UDA.

The mother has revealed she took the action after fears arose for the safety of her sons and their friends.

Kate said: “It is outrageous to hear how this family has been treated, in a community that is opening and welcoming to all.

“I have raised this issue directly with the PSNI and am seeking further clarification as to what is being done to reassure the wider South Belfast community who will be very troubled by these depressing headlines.

“South Belfast does not belong to any one person, the only people not welcome in Finaghy are these criminals.”