A leading loyalist who was sent back to prison this week after theNorthern Ireland Secretary suspended his early release licence was today being questioned by police about the recent violence in north Belfast.
It is understood Gary Smith, a close associate of Ulster Freedom Fighters chief Johnny Adair, is being questioned about a bomb alert at the Catholic primary school at the centre of the recent sectarian trouble.
Smith (37) was taken earlier today from Maghaberry Prison to Gough Barracks in Armagh for questioning about a bomb warning telephoned to a Belfast newsroom about the Holy Cross girls primary school, according to security sources.
The alert, made in the name of the outlawed, Red Hand Defenders, was made on Monday, the same day Smith was returned to prison.
The alert turned out to be a hoax but trouble around the school has continued and pupils were today again prevented by loyalist protesters from entering the school by the main gate and were forced to get in by a back route.
Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid revoked Smith's licence and sent him back to prison after receiving an intelligence file allegedly linking him with the recent sectarian violence and the UFF.
Johnny Adair was sent back to prison by the previous Northern Secretary, Mr Peter Mandelson, last August at the height of the loyalist feud in Belfast Shankill Road area which claimed several lives.
While loyalists warned Smith's return would spark outrage, Dr Reid defended his decision.
"No-one is above the law. No-one is untouchable. No-one will be allowed to stir up sectarian hatred, to attack their neighbours or police officers," he said on Monday.
He added: "The people of Northern Ireland will not stand for it and neither will I. Northern Ireland is moving on: those individuals who cannot move with it and leave their criminality behind will be dealt with by the full force of the law."
PA