February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
The LVF originally split from the UVF over the loyalist ceasefire, but since then the proceeds of drug dealing and extortion, along with personal rivalries, have replaced any political motivation.
In the latest incident, a gun attack on a taxi depot is being linked to the LVF. Staff members were in the depot on the Ballysillan Road when shots were fired at the front of the building in the early hours of Saturday morning.
No one was injured and police said a number of men were seen driving off in a car. A short time later, the car was found burning in the Oldpark area.
The feud has been simmering since before Christmas. Since then, people have been beaten and intimidated, and at least 10 taxis belonging to different firms linked to the rival groupings have been burned out. Protestant ministers have been unsuccessfully trying to mediate between the warring parties.
North Belfast DUP MP Nigel Dodds condemned the shooting. “This vicious attack could easily have resulted in death or serious injury,” he said. “It is bad enough that people’s livelihoods, businesses and property are being destroyed. But someone will lose their life unless this all stops.”