'Dissident threat' to SF members

Sinn Fein has said five party councillors have been warned by the police that their lives are under threat from dissident republicans.

The party's Alex Maskey said the councillors, one from Glengormley and four from north Belfast, were visited by police on Sunday night.

Mr Maskey described the threats as "totally unacceptable".

A police spokesperson said they do not discuss the personal security of any individual.

"Where we believe that someone needs to review their personal security, we take steps to inform them.

"We never ignore anything that could put someone at risk," she said.

Mr Maskey said the threats would not deter the councillors from doing their work.

"It is totally unacceptable that anyone purporting to be republican should threaten other republicans who have a different perspective on the way forward," he said.

"I would encourage those republicans referred to as dissidents to get behind the process and help to advance our republican objectives in a democratic and peaceful manner."

He also said the police should have given more details about the threats so that their veracity could be established.