Loyalists last night (Thursday) insisted that they were committed to peace despite an upsurge in sectarian violence in north Belfast.
Police have blamed loyalists for a series of incidents over a 12-hour period which included the targeting of Catholic homes and an attack on a schoolboy.
Last night the UPRG – the political wing of loyalist paramilitary group the UDA – claimed everything was being done to reduce escalating tensions.
"The leadership and members of the UPRG remain totally dedicated and committed to finding peaceful solutions to everyday problems within the community," UPRG spokesman Tommy Kirkham said.
"This community of ours deserves peace and the UPRG, with the support of those we represent, will do whatever we can to achieve that peace."
Mr Kirkham's pledge came after a number of Catholic families were targeted on Wednesday night.
One grandmother, whose home was attacked by paint bombers said: "My daughter thought that I was covered in blood but it turned out to be red paint.
"It was a terrifying experience."
Shortly after 8.30am yesterday a Catholic schoolboy was confronted by a man brandishing an iron bar at the entrance to St Gabriel's Secondary School but managed to flee from his attacker.
Superintendent David Boultwood urged both communities to "step back from the brink".
