No paramilitary involvement in threats to port workers
Police have held talks with partner agencies after physical Brexit checks at Belfast and Larne ports were suspended amid safety concerns.
Police Service of Northern Ireland Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan said there was no evidence to suggest loyalist paramilitary groups were behind the threatening behaviour aimed at port staff.
Police believe disgruntled individuals or small groups were behind the incidents.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan said: "We are aware of a single anonymous piece of information that has been circulating and that has caused real concern to staff and to their employers.
"We were able to share with partners our assessment today that there is absolutely no information to substantiate or corroborate the claims made that paramilitary organisations are involved or behind threats or intimidation to staff at points of entry."
ACC McEwan said the last number of weeks had seen increased "tensions and discontent" within the community in relation to the Northern Ireland Protocol.
"We are concerned about the actions of a number of individuals and small groups," he added.
"We don't believe that those actions are organised. But they do give us cause for concern."
Police patrols had been stepped up after Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs staff were withdrawn from ports following an "upsurge in sinister and menacing behaviour in recent weeks".
Graffiti has appeared referencing tensions about the Northern Ireland Protocol and describing port staff as "targets".
In addition, it is understood staff expressed concerns that individuals had been spotted taking down number plate details.
Patrick Mulholland, deputy general secretary of the Nipsa union, which represents Northern Ireland's port workers, said his members are worried by the threats.
"They. first of all, tend to be in shock because they suddenly find themselves under a level of threat they would not expect to be under," he said.
"These are ordinary working people.
"They then become very anxious because they do not know how this is going to work out and they do want the greatest possible level of support and assurance from their fellow workers and people in society that they have got their backs. That is very important."
Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Executive is "united in condemning any threats made against workers and staff going about their duties at Belfast and Larne ports", a statement said.
Ministers have called for the threats to be "lifted immediately", and for staff to be allowed to return to their posts and get back to work.
"There is no place in society for intimidation and threats against anyone going to their place of work," they added.
Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots said he had taken the decision to withdraw personnel at the ports in consultation with his staff.
A spokesman for the department said: "The situation will be kept under review and in the meantime full documentary checks will continue to be carried out as usual.
Speaking on View From Stormont, First Minister Arlene Foster called on those behind the threats to "desist".
The DUP leader added: "I think it’s utterly reprehensible that anyone who is going to their place of work should be threatened in this way."