Postal workers in Londonderry have voted to return to work following an emergency meeting to discuss an alleged threat against a colleague.

They received a statement from a loyalist organisation which convinced a majority of staff at a meeting on Monday they should recommence their deliveries.

Royal Mail staff suspended all deliveries on Saturday following the alleged threat.

The Royal Mail said the police were investigating the reports.

Our overriding consideration is at all times for the safety and security of our staff

Royal Mail

In a statement on Monday, Royal Mail welcomed the decision of the postal workers to return to work.

A spokesman said: "Our overriding consideration is at all times for the safety and security of our staff and we did everything possible over the weekend to seek the reassurances necessary for them to feel able to resume work this morning.

"Although we will of course remain vigilant, we are relieved that services are now restored and would like to thank customers for their patience during the period of disruption."

On Sunday, Charlie Kelly from the Communication Workers' Union said staff were very concerned.

"Staff are worried - especially in light of events this week," he said.

Disrupted

In February, postal deliveries in Londonderry were once again disrupted after a threatening letter, purporting to come from loyalists, was sent to staff.

The letter warned 11 workers not to enter the largely Protestant Waterside area of the city.

Staff in the city have already gone on strike twice this year.

Mail deliveries in the city were disrupted when workers walked out in February after a Catholic postman was warned to stay out of the Waterside area.

That threat came just three weeks after postal workers walked out in protest at the Ulster Defence Association murder of Catholic postman Daniel McColgan near Belfast, and also threats made to Catholic postal workers