Northern Ireland

UVF says east Belfast murder of Ian Ogle was not 'in the name of loyalism or the UVF'

 Ian Ogle died after being attacked in east Belfast on January 27
 Ian Ogle died after being attacked in east Belfast on January 27  Ian Ogle died after being attacked in east Belfast on January 27

The east Belfast UVF has moved to distance itself from the murder of leading loyalist Ian Ogle, saying it "wholeheartedly condemned" the actions of those responsible.

Mr Ogle (45) was stabbed to death in an attack involving a number of men at Cluan Place in east Belfast on Sunday evening.

Police have carried out searches of a number of properties in east Belfast as part of the investigation into what is believed to have been a prolonged and violent attack.

In a statement to the Irish News using a recognised codeword, the paramilitary organisation said it was "still seeking answers as who carried out this attack..."

And it added: "Whoever did it did not do it in the name of loyalism or the UVF.

"Actions of this sort undermine the positive transformation which is taking place with the organisation and we distance ourselves from the appalling act on a popular member of our local community.

"We send heartfelt condolences to the wider family circle".

Read more:

  • UVF say there will be 'no protection' for killers of Ian Ogle
  • Police examine interface cameras in hunt for Ian Ogle killers

The Irish News also understands that the UVF leadership have said those responsible do not have the protection of the organisation.

 Floral tributes have been left at the scene where Ian Ogle was fatally stabbed in east Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann
 Floral tributes have been left at the scene where Ian Ogle was fatally stabbed in east Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann  Floral tributes have been left at the scene where Ian Ogle was fatally stabbed in east Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann
Ian Ogle
Ian Ogle Ian Ogle