Northern Ireland

Landmark loyalist murals painted over in east Belfast

A series of loyalist murals on the Newtownards Road in east Belfast have been painted over
A series of loyalist murals on the Newtownards Road in east Belfast have been painted over

A set of landmark loyalist murals in east Belfast have been painted over.

The murals, which adorned the gable walls of properties on the Newtownards Road, were removed earlier this week.

The site, known as 'Freedom Corner', is popular with tourists and other visitors to the city.

For decades the walls have hosted several paintings glorifying the UDA, which was formed in 1971

Tribute was also paid to the UFF, a cover name used by the UDA to kill Catholics.

Read more:Murals in Belfast and Northern Ireland: An explainer

Loyalist murals in east Belfast
Loyalist murals in east Belfast

Various other loyalist symbols, slogans and images formed part of the well-known series of murals.

Travellers passing through the area this week were surprised to find no trace of the artwork, which had been covered over with white paint.

In 2015 the murals were also removed and later replaced as part of a re-imaging programme in the area.

At the time north Down loyalists Dee Stitt, of Charter NI, said the murals "are part of the fabric of east Belfast".

"They are never going to go away," he said.

Local politicians and loyalists were last night surprised by the removal of the murals.

Freedom Corner on the Newtownards Road in east Belfast in 2015. Picture By Arthur Allison, Pacemaker Press
Freedom Corner on the Newtownards Road in east Belfast in 2015. Picture By Arthur Allison, Pacemaker Press
Freedom Corner on the Newtownards Road in east Belfast in 2015. Picture by Arthur Allison, Pacemaker
Freedom Corner on the Newtownards Road in east Belfast in 2015. Picture by Arthur Allison, Pacemaker
Loyalist murals in east Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann
Loyalist murals in east Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann