1,358 seek to move over intimidation

More than 1,350 applications were made in the seven months up to the end of last year by Northern Ireland people wishing to leave…

More than 1,350 applications were made in the seven months up to the end of last year by Northern Ireland people wishing to leave their homes because of intimidation, the UK government has disclosed.

The North's Minister of State, Mr Adam Ingram, said in a Commons written reply that the Northern Ireland Housing Executive - which is responsible for housing people who claim to be homeless as a result of intimidation - indicated that between May 1st and December 31st last year 1,358 applicants were awarded priority status.

In a further written reply, he said that between May 1st and the end of last month, 74 assaults were carried out by loyalists and 52 by republicans.

One terrorist prisoner released early under the agreement had since been charged with an offence, he added.