Cllr Long has said: “To see such threats being made following the result of a democratic vote, taken by those who are actually elected to represent the people of Belfast, is nothing short of downright sinister.

“It only further highlights that the only real aim of these groups is to continue their coercive control over our communities, fanning the flames of tension, fear, and violence for their own agendas.

“That this comes so soon after the appointment of an official paramilitary interlocutor demonstrates the UK and Irish Governments’ glaring misstep in treating these proscribed organisations as legitimate parties to be negotiated with, rather than the violent criminals that they are, as well as the DUP and Sinn Féin’s folly for supporting such a move.

“Alliance never has, and never will, give into the threat of violence. These groups have no place in the peaceful, shared and inclusive Northern Ireland that we all want to live in, and we will continue working to see them off our streets for good.”