Cemetery security changes after paramilitary displays

Belfast City Council has said it has made changes to security at Roselawn cemetery and crematorium in response to concerns over paramilitary displays.

Masked men were pictured inside the crematorium during the funeral of a former Ulster Defence Association (UDA) man in April.

In a separate incident in August, a report was made of men wearing alleged paramilitary-style uniforms at a graveside service.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the council said their investigations have since been closed.

A council spokeswoman said: "A number of internal actions have been put in place to improve site security and ensure Roselawn cemetery and crematorium operate effectively as places of reflection for bereaved families and visitors."

It is understood the security measures involve regular patrols of the grounds, and efforts to strengthen internal staff processes for handling and reporting incidents when they arise.

There are no plans at this stage to introduce extra CCTV cameras or other security infrastructure, BBC News NI understands.

The images of masked men standing over a coffin in the crematorium were first reported in May by the Belfast Telegraph.

Separately in August, a report was made of men at a graveside wearing white shirts, ties with symbols on them and black armbands.

The second incident was found "not to be paramilitary in nature", the council said in a statement.

"Both council investigations have now concluded, and party group leaders on council have been updated," a spokeswoman said.

"The incident in May was an unauthorised display inside our facility, while the incident in August was found not to be paramilitary in nature.

"Council has liaised fully with the PSNI in relation to their investigations."

The PSNI said both investigations have "closed pending further evidence being received by police".

"Enquiries were made by police in relation to both of these investigations and available evidence was reviewed with engagement from Belfast City Council," a police spokeswoman said.

Jim Rodgers, chair of the council's cemeteries and crematorium working group, said he was satisfied with the internal actions taken.

The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) councillor said there was a need for sensitivity as "we are conscious that it's a cemetery and a crematorium".

"Our staff are very diligent if there is a complaint made. They deal with it extremely quickly," he added.