Loyalist terrorists have threatened journalists on two Belfast publications, newspaper owners Independent News and media (INM) have said. 

Reporters on both the Sunday Life and Sunday World titles were warned by PSNI officers of imminent attacks by the South East Antrim UDA – a breakaway UDA group. 

The threat is linked to both papers' coverage of paramilitary activities, criminality, and recent murders by the loyalist terror gang.

Bomb

The terrorists planned a booby-trap bomb on one reporter’s car, and the PSNI said it had information on “a planned and coordinated campaign of intimidation”. 

INM publisher Peter Vandermeersch said: "We will, of course, work with the police to ensure our staff's safety. 

"Threats against journalists should not be tolerated in any free society. It is depressing that thugs still believe they can silence the press through intimidation. 

Dark corners

"The Sunday World and Sunday Life will continue to publish stories that shed light in dark corners." 

Seamus Dooley, NUJ Assistant General Secretary, said: "This is an extremely worrying development and will be viewed with great concern by all journalists in Northern Ireland. 

"Free press is a cornerstone of democracy and it is essential that journalists are allowed to work without fear or intimidation.”