A SINN FÉIN MP has condemned reports that Catholic families are being intimidated by loyalist paramilitaries in North Belfast.
The Irish News reported today that the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) had pulled out of a deal to stop attacks on a mixed housing development in the Oldpark area and ordered Catholic families to leave their homes.
North Belfast MP John Finucane described the reports as 'outrageous and totally unacceptable' and has called for an urgent meeting with the PSNI.
In a statement to The Irish Post, the PSNI said it was 'actively working to establish the full facts'.
Speaking today, Mr Finucane called for a united front from all political parties against any intimidation.
"Everyone must stand against this criminality," said Mr Finucane.
"We need to see and hear a united political response to this sectarian intimidation including from unionist representatives.
"This is not an isolated issue, and it requires all political parties and relevant agencies to stand together, face it down and provide full support to the victims.
"Sinn Féin will be seeking an urgent meeting with police to discuss the response to this intimidation.
"Residents have the right to live safely, free from intimidation and violence."
'Intimidation will never be tolerated'
A statement from the PSNI said it was aware of media reports in relation to sectarian intimidation in the Annalee Street area of North Belfast.
"We recognise the concerns such reporting may raise and want to assure the community that officers are actively working to establish the full facts," added the statement.
"Intimidation of any kind has no place in society. Every individual has the right to live in peace, free from fear, in their own homes. Where those rights are threatened, police will leave no stone unturned in seeking to identify perpetrators and bring them before the courts.
"We have strengthened our policing footprint in the area and are making full use of the wide range of tools and tactics available to us to disrupt criminality and keep people safe."
Local District Commander Superintendent Allister Hagan said those responsible would 'face the full weight of the law'.
"I want to be clear — intimidation will never be tolerated," he added.
"The people of North Belfast deserve to live without fear or coercion, and those who attempt to control communities through threats or violence will face the full weight of the law.
"We will continue to use every power at our disposal to tackle those involved in criminality, however; policing is most effective when it is supported by the community we serve.
"I would appeal directly to anyone with information, no matter how small, to contact us. By working together, we can ensure that those intent on causing harm are brought to justice."
See More: Belfast, John Finucane, Sinn Féin
