Republican News · Thursday 7 August 2003

Confusion over Hutchinson abduction claim

Republicans in north Belfast were sceptical yesterday about the PUP's claims of an apparent attempt to abduct Billy Hutchinson in the city on Wednesday morning.

PUP leader David Ervine said he believed nationalists from Ardoyne had been involved in the bid to kidnap the former Assembly member.

One source in Ardoyne said: "People here are a bit staggered at the claims that someone from this area tried to abduct Mr Hutchinson. It has been a quiet summer in this area. Why would anybody jeopardise that?"

Sources in the PUP claimed that Billy Hutchinson was out jogging at around 6.15am when four men in a white Vauxhall Cavalier tried to bundle him into the car. The sources said the abduction was foiled by a security man who was nearby at the time.

Sinn Féin councillor Margaret McClenaghan said: "The finger is being pointed at people in Ardoyne but what strikes me is that the area where this incident is reported to have taken place is close to the lower Shankill.

"It was also not that long ago since another prominent loyalist claimed he was targeted in a gun attack by people from Ardoyne and it turned out to be bogus.

"People in Ardoyne feel very much in danger after these reports. People are on edge."

The PSNI confirmed they were investigating "an alleged incident" in the Cambria street area.