THE RUC has ordered that security gates in Belfast city centre be closed at night because of growing concern about a republican bomb attack.
The barriers in Royal Avenue and surrounding streets were shut on Monday and Tuesday nights amid fears that a paramilitary group might try to detonate a car bomb in the city centre.
The RUC is believed to be concerned about the threat from both the IRA and the Continuity Army Council (CAC) which pledges allegiance to Republican Sinn Fein.
Police intelligence reports are believed to have proved "worrying", although it is not known whether paramilitaries are planning an actual attack or simply keeping their machine well oiled.
An RUC spokesman said: "Police are reacting to the current situation and constantly reviewing the security of the city centre in view of recent events."
However, the RUC is understood to be making decisions concerning the barriers on a daily basis and to have decided that the gates can remain open during the day but must be shut at night.