Alert at loyalist funeral a hoax

Andre Shoukri (centre) arrives at his brother's funeral

The security alert that delayed the funeral of north Belfast loyalist Ihab Shoukri has been declared a hoax.

The former UDA member died from a suspected drugs overdose on Saturday night.

Police said there was a security alert on the Oldpark Road, near the church from where the 34-year-old was being buried.

His brother, leading loyalist Andre Shoukri, was temporarily released from prison to attend the funeral.

Ihab Shoukri and his brother Andre were expelled from the UDA two years ago after setting up a breakaway faction in south east Antrim.

The faction had been accused of involvement in widespread criminality, including drug dealing.

Ihab Shoukri took over leadership of the group in November last year after his brother was jailed for nine years on charges including blackmail and intimidation.

The sons of an Egyptian father who married a local woman, both brothers rose through the ranks of the UDA in north Belfast before their expulsion.