Bullet sent in post to NI politician

A nationalist Northern Ireland assembly member has received a death threat.

A nationalist Northern Ireland assembly member has received a death threat.

Senior SDLP figure Patsy McGlone was sent a package containing a bullet and sympathy card, he has confirmed.

The parcel with his name and picture was intercepted at a Royal Mail sorting office near Belfast. The Mid-Ulster assembly member blamed "faceless fascists".

Several Northern Ireland politicians have received similar threats in recent weeks amid the loyalist protest over the flying of the Union flag from Belfast's city hall.

Mr McGlone said: "This is obviously not something that is a pleasant experience, for me or my family, however, those who sent it will not put me off doing my job, that is representing the people of Mid Ulster.

"I would like to pay tribute to the staff at the post office and the PSNI for their professionalism and vigilance in dealing with this matter."

Cross-community Alliance Party East Belfast MP Naomi Long, Alliance leader David Ford and councillor Gerardine Mulvenna are among those sent bullets recently.

Sinn Féin Assembly members Gerry Kelly and Alex Maskey also received a letter containing ammunition.

PA