Death threats from a previously unheard of loyalist paramilitary group have again disrupted postal services in Derry city.
Royal Mail today confirmed that disruption could also occur tomorrow as the company seeks to make new post delivery arrangements with staff.
The threat came in the form of a letter signed by "Waterside Young Loyalists" warning Royal Mail workers not to enter the predominantly Protestant Waterside area of the city. It is the third time workers in Derry have suspended work following a loyalist death threat.
Six Catholic and five Protestant members of staff were named in the letter, which was sent two weeks but becuase it was incorrectly addressed it was only discovered at the Royal Mail lost-letter facility in Belfast last night.
"There is nothing to suggest the letter is anything other than a hoax," a spokeswoman said. It is understood local contacts in the Waterside area led to the UDA confirming they had not issued a threat.
The paramilitary organisation claimed reposibility for the shooting dead of postal worker Mr Daniel McColgan near Belfast three weeks ago. Postal deliveries were suspended for two days following the killing.
The Police also confirmed that they are treating the matter as a hoax: "We are not aware of any organisation of this name and in the absence of any further evidence or information it is most likely to be hoax," spokesman said.
Royal Mail have streesed that staff will not be compelled to make deliveries in the area.