The editor of the Sunday World's Belfast edition, Mr Jim McDowell, has said he will not be intimidated after an arson attack on the Belfast offices of the newspaper early yesterday morning. Mr McDowell said he believed the attack was drugs-related. The foyer of the building occupied by the newspaper was badly damaged, and the first and second floors suffered smoke damage. "We will not be stopped," Mr McDowell said. "We will continue to point the finger at people who hold this society to ransom."
Yesterday the RUC removed items for forensic examination. The offices are at Commercial Court in the city centre.
The Red Hand Defenders last night claimed responsibility for the attack.
In a phone call to a media outlet, the organisation said it had carried out the attack because the Sunday World had "continually demonised" the loyalist people of Ulster.