Nationalist residents in west Belfast have alleged RUC harassment after they formed a neighbourhood group to tackle anti-social behaviour. In a statement yesterday the group said the RUC had approached youths in the area and attempted to recruit them as informers.
A spokesman for the group denied claims that local youths had in turn been intimidated by the neighbourhood group. "Over the last three weeks there has been a marked increase in the RUC presence in the area. The RUC are harassing residents involved in the neighbourhood watch scheme." The RUC said last night it shared the genuine concern of victims of crime.