Police probe abduction claim

Mr Hutchinson was out running when he was approached by four men

Police are investigating claims by a former assembly member that there was an attempt to kidnap him in the Shankill Road area of Belfast.

Progressive Unionist Party member Billy Hutchinson said he was out running in Cambrai Street at about 0600 BST on Wednesday when a car drew up beside him.

He said a number of men tried to drag him inside the vehicle.

"I was out doing a bit of exercise this morning when I was approached by a car with four males in it and they tried to get me into the car," he said.

"It was a very serious situation, I tried to get away and I was helped by a security man in a building who allowed me into the premises which were secure.

"When this happened they drove off towards Ardoyne and I informed the police who came out to the scene."

If there are any groups of individuals or any organisation who thinks this type of behaviour is valid or justified they must think again. Alex Attwood SDLP chairman

Mr Hutchison claims the men involved were nationalists from the Ardoyne area.

Police said they were investigating an alleged incident in the Cambrai Street area.

PUP leader David Ervine blamed dissident republicans for the attempted abduction.

"I can't imagine that anyone remotely associated with the republican movement, that is on ceasefire, that is negotiating about peace, would have had the slightest interest in doing any harm to Billy Hutchinson," he said.

"Those who tried to do this probably wanted instability, therefore for goodness sake, the last thing we need to do is give them what they want."

SDLP chairman Alex Attwood condemned the incident.

"The allegations that a group of men attempted to abduct Mr Hutchinson are a sinister and dangerous development.

"Nationalism may well have significant differences with loyalism and Billy Hutchinson but he has been a force for progress within loyalism.

"If there are any groups of individuals or any organisation who thinks this type of behaviour is valid or justified they must think again and back off."

However, Sinn Fein councillor Margaret McClenaghan rejected suggestions that nationalists were involved in the incident.

She condemned what had happened but said she believed people from the Ardoyne area were not involved.

David Ervine called for people to remain cautious and vigilant but urged no retaliation over the incident.