W2C-004 Belfast Telegraph 3-0.txt
RUC denies bias claim Oliver McGuckin

Police efforts to deal with loyalist terrorism were today vehemently defended by RUC Chief Constable, Sir Hugh Annesley.

Rejecting suggestions that police were less vigorous in their pursuit of loyalists than in the fight against the IRA, Sir Hugh said such a charge was "neither accurate or fair".

In a strong statement issued from RUC headquarters, he added: "The proof of our impartiality and professionalism lies in the facts: the arrests which have been made, the charges which have been preferred, and in our absolute determination to counter all terrorism without fear or favour."

Operations

His remarks came after the sectarian murders of four Catholics in the past nine days.

The death of the latest victim - 40-year-old hairdresser Sean Hughes in west Belfast yesterday - led to calls by local MP Dr Joe Hendron for more high-profile operations by the security forces in loyalist areas.

Stressing that the threat from both loyalist and republican paramilitaries remained very serious, Sir Hugh called on the public to use its "eyes and ears" to help save lives.

Targets

"In both communities there are terrorists meeting and plotting outrages, using cars and houses, moving about and acting suspiciously in various ways. Be vigilant and tell us what you see and hear."

Referring again to accusations of a one-sided approach by police, he declared: "From where we stand murder is murder. There is no excuse, no nods and winks, no legitimate targets. Murder is murder."

The Chief Constable said 26 of the 45 deaths from violence so far this year were attributable to loyalists. The total number killed was 16 fewer than at the same time last year.

Equipment

"To date this year there have been 172 bomb incidents, 54 fewer than in the same period last year. Republican terrorists were responsible for 142 (83 pc) and loyalist terrorists for 30 incidents (17 pc)."

The security forces had seized 130 firearms, some 10,000 rounds of ammunition and approximately 32,500 lbs of explosives and bomb-making equipment.

"That is a substantial achievement which represents lives saved and massive destruction prevented."

Arrests

Police had also charged 259 people with terrorist-type offences. Of these, 166 were loyalists and 93 republicans.

"Without going into detail, for legal reasons, I can say that in respect of both republican and loyalist terror groups, a series of significant arrests have been made and a considerable number of murder and bombing missions intercepted and prevented. As a consequence, more lives were saved and intended devastation frustrated."

In Belfast - where 19 murders have occurred this year (15 by loyalists and 4 by republicans)- some of the "most significant" arrests have been made.

"Every possible measure, both overt and covert, is being taken," the Chief Constable said.
