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An Orangeman has told how he has bought bullet-proof vests for his wife and children after receiving dozens of death threats.

The North Belfast man is a key figure in one of the three Ligoniel lodges currently barred from walking past the Ardoyne shops on the Twelfth.

He says he has “lost count” of the number of bullets he has been sent in the post and now lives away from his home in a bid to keep his family safe.

The man does not want to be named but is a marshall involved in the controversial parade which has been barred from taking its return route along the Crumlin Road by the Parades Commission.

Speaking after receiving the latest set of bullets in the post, he told the Mirror: “I’ve had so many death threats, it’s hard to keep track of them all. It’s got to be 20 to 30, but when I ask about getting help with security like CCTV or what ever I’m told I’m not a priority. I think I have to get shot first.

“It’s got so bad I’ve moved out of my own home for my family’s sake. It’s not been great for family life as I only get to see them once a week or so for a meal and I never stay over, but I’d rather they are safe and me being there could put them at risk. It’s been pretty tough on my wife as you can imagine. I’ve a wee fella who’s disabled and a little hyperactive, and my concern is that something could come through the letterbox and he’ll pick it up.”

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The Orangeman says he has been told by police that the threats are coming from dissident groups including the Continuity and Real IRA. As well as letters, two years ago a suspect device was placed under the man’s car.

He now says he has bought flak jackets for himself as well as his wife, young son and daughter.

He added: “They sit by the door in case I’m there and I get suspicious something’s going to happen we can get them on. It’s pretty sad that’s what I have to do, but the authorities don’t seem to care too much about what happens to me or my family.”

It is understood at least one other Orangeman involved with the Ligoniel lodges has also received a number of death threats and has bought a bullet-proof vest.