BBC News Online: UK: Northern Ireland

Postal workers 'under threat'

The Post Office has pulled a small number of staff out of Seymour Hill in Dunmurry.

It says deliveries in the area may be suspended because of intimidation.

Royal Mail area manager Michael Kennedy said they were taking the threats seriously.

'Difficult time'

He said: "Over the past week a number of employees delivering and collecting in the Seymour Hill area have been approached by people and advised that certain members of staff should not be entering the area.

"Clearly we have had no choice but to remove Catholic postmen, at this stage."

Mr Kennedy said he had met with representatives of the Communication Workers' Union and was hoping to arrange meetings with local political representatives as soon as possible.

He added that it was not the first time Royal Mail had had problems delivering its service in Seymour Hill.

"From time to time we have incidents like this throughout Northern Ireland," he added.

"Clearly we are entering a difficult time. I just hope that this isn't the start of a series of threats against our employees."