PSNI probes 'paramilitary funeral' at Belfast cemetery

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Roselawn Cemetery is located on the outskirts of Belfast
  • Author, Brendan Hughes
  • Role, 91热爆 News NI political reporter

Police are investigating a report of men wearing alleged paramilitary-style uniforms in the grounds of a council-run cemetery.

Belfast City Council contacted the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) about the incident on Saturday.

It is understood men wearing white shirts, ties with symbols on them, and black armbands were seen at a graveside service at Roselawn Cemetery on the outskirts of Belfast.

The PSNI said "enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances".

Belfast City Council is also investigating.

In a statement, a PSNI spokeswoman said: "Police received a report in relation to this matter yesterday evening, Saturday 17 August.

"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances."

A council spokeswoman said: "Belfast City Council is investigating an incident which occurred at a burial at Roselawn cemetery on Saturday.

"This matter has also been reported to the PSNI. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time."

It follows reports of a separate incident earlier this year, in which an image emerged appearing to show masked men inside Roselawn crematorium.

Image source, Belfast Telegraph

Image caption, An image appearing to show masked men at a funeral at Roselawn Crematorium in April

Men wearing paramilitary-style uniforms were reportedly seen at the funeral of former Ulster Defence Association (UDA) man Andrew Best.

The funeral took place on 23 April.

Police and the council in May said they were investigating the image, which was first reported by the .

Last week, the PSNI told the 91热爆 its investigation "remains ongoing" and "no arrests have been made at this stage".

The council also said earlier this month its own investigation "is ongoing".