Dissident republicans were today blamed for the attempted abduction of a prominent loyalist politician in West Belfast.
Progressive Unionist city councillor Mr Billy Hutchinson was jogging in the Shankill area of the city at abut 6.15 a.m. when four men in a white Vauxhall Cavalier tried to bundle him into the car.
Mr Hutchinson, a former Assembly member for North Belfast, managed to flee when a security guard in the area spotted what was going on and intervened. Police confirmed they were investigating an "alleged incident" in Cambria Street.
Progressive Unionist Party leader Mr David Ervine said they believed republicans were behind the attempted kidnapping.
"Billy said there appeared to be something at the back of the vehicle. He did not know if it was some sort of weapon or a gun. Fortunately a security guard on duty in the area ran out and Billy was able to make his escape. We believe that nationalists from the Ardoyne were behind this very sinister incident".
Some republicans in North Belfast were today sceptical about the PUP's claims.
One source in Ardoyne said: "People here are a bit staggered at the claims and that someone from this area tried to abduct Mr Hutchinson.
"It has been a quiet summer in this area. Why would anybody jeopardise that?"
Sinn Féin councillor Ms Margaret McClenaghan was also sceptical about the abduction claim.
"The finger is being pointed at people in Ardoyne but what strikes me is that the area where this incident is reported to have taken place is close to the lower Shankill," she said.
"It was also not that long ago since another prominent loyalist claimed he was targeted in a gun attack by people from Ardoyne and it turned out to be bogus," she said.
"If this incident occurred, whoever was responsible should be condemned but people in Ardoyne feel very much in danger after these reports. People are on edge."
PA