Orde hears Adams' police concerns

Sir Hugh Orde and Gerry Adams have been holding discussions

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams and Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde are meeting to discuss the party's criticism of policing in west Belfast.

Mr Adams' criticism followed the murders of Harry Holland, John Mongan and Frank McGreevy in recent months.

In response, Sir Hugh said his remarks were "unfair and unjustified".

Before the meeting, Mr Adams said the PSNI had overreacted when he had merely expressed his concerns "in a constructive and positive way".

Between last September and March of this year, three men - Harry Holland, John Mongan and Frank McGreevy - were killed in violent attacks in Mr Adams' West Belfast constituency.

In the wake of these deaths, Mr Adams criticised the police response to anti-social behaviour.

Sir Hugh Orde speaking outside Hillsborough Castle

However, speaking before Friday's meeting, Sir Hugh said: "I gave a robust response and I stand absolutely by it - if you want to have a discussion about policing, we do it sensibly, we do it rationally, we do it in a mature way.

"That's how you protect people - you do not protect people by shouting at the cops."

Mr Adams said: "The concern about public and community safety, and how the PSNI is dealing with these issues, is at the top of our agenda for the discussions with Mr Orde and his colleagues."

He said the meeting would "provide an opportunity to discuss these matters in the context of the wider policing issues which meet the needs of local communities".