DUP pledge after police meeting

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DUP leader Peter Robinson has said his party would continue to support the police as they seek the resources they need to provide security in NI.

Mr Robinson was speaking after leading a party delegation which met with Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde and Assistant Chief Constable Drew Harris on Friday.

He said it was clear recent dissident republican attacks had placed additional strain on police resources.

"We will not allow evil murderers to plunge NI into violence," he said.

Mr Robinson said the safety of serving and former police officers was also discussed.

"At such a time of increased terrorist threat it is important that those who are serving their country presently or who have served in the past are kept safe," he said.

"That is why the worrying trend of refusing Personal Protection Weapon renewals or applications for people at risk needs to be reviewed as a matter of urgency.

The DUP leader said he was encouraged to hear about the level of co-operation with the police coming from all sections of the population, including the nationalist community.

He said his party would meet with the police again next week to address in greater detail some of the matters raised.