Feud victim buried amid continuing fears

Fears remain of a continuation of the murderous feud between Protestant para militaries in Northern Ireland, despite a call by church leaders for an end to the violence.

Three people have been killed this week in a battle for power between rival gangs in north and west Belfast, and the leaders of the factions have ignored all attempts at mediation.

The appeal by Protestant churchmen came as the funeral was held of the first of the victims, Bobby Mahood.

A BBC correspondent in Belfast says that such were the fears of further attacks, that paramilitary supporters attending the ceremony were clearly wearing bullet-proof vests under their jackets.

Another feud victim is being buried today .

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service