NORTHERN IRELAND’S three main loyalist paramilitary forces vowed yesterday to combat criminality and sectarian violence in their ranks.

The Ulster Defence Association, Ulster Volunteer Force and Red Hand Commando are supporting the formation of a Loyalist Communities Council (LCC) to promote social progress.

The LCC will focus on “law abiding responses to criminality,” as well as addressing loyalist “disenfranchisement” from the political process and increasing educational standards in loyalist communities.