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Alert at loyalist funeral a hoax | |
(41 minutes later) | |
The security alert that delayed the funeral of north Belfast loyalist Ihab Shoukri has been declared a hoax. | |
The former UDA member died from a suspected drugs overdose on Saturday night. | The former UDA member died from a suspected drugs overdose on Saturday night. |
Police said there was a security alert on the Old Park Road, near the church from where the 34-year-old was being buried. | |
His brother, leading loyalist Andre Shoukri, was released from prison so he could attend the funeral. | His brother, leading loyalist Andre Shoukri, was released from prison so he could attend the funeral. |
Ihab Shoukri and his brother Andre were expelled from the UDA two years ago after setting up a breakaway faction in south east Antrim. | Ihab Shoukri and his brother Andre were expelled from the UDA two years ago after setting up a breakaway faction in south east Antrim. |
The faction had been accused of involvement in widespread criminality, including drug dealing. | The faction had been accused of involvement in widespread criminality, including drug dealing. |
Ihab Shoukri took over leadership of the group in November last year after his brother was jailed for nine years on charges including blackmail and intimidation. | Ihab Shoukri took over leadership of the group in November last year after his brother was jailed for nine years on charges including blackmail and intimidation. |
The sons of an Egyptian father who married a local woman, both brothers rose through the ranks of the UDA in north Belfast before their expulsion. | The sons of an Egyptian father who married a local woman, both brothers rose through the ranks of the UDA in north Belfast before their expulsion. |