Sunday Life has learned of two alarming incidents where foreign national households were targeted by grasping hoods.

Both groups are so terrified they would not speak to us directly when we attempted to contact them last week.

But a local community leader revealed the monstrous demands had been made to people of both Polish and Lithuanian nationality.

One group, living on the Shore Road, were told they would have to pay £25 every week for each of the six people occupying a rented dwelling.

A similar demand was made to four people of Lithuanian nationality living less than two miles away.

The scandal comes just a week after UDA boss Jackie McDonald sent out a general order to all members not to be involved in crime or criminality.

In announcing that the UFF had been stood down, the south Belfast brigadier insisted the organisation would continue a process of transformation towards a Northern Ireland based on "equality, justice and inclusivity".

Specifically, he added that no section of society would be left behind " regardless of religion, politics or identity".

But the on-the-ground community activist told us: "I think Jackie needs to wake up and smell the coffee.

"Both of these immigrant groups have been left absolutely terrified by these demands for money.

"The people involved are known UDA henchmen and obviously see this as an opportunity to expand their extortion empire.

"It's sick and has left both groups in a position where they have no option but to move elsewhere to find some peace."

North Belfast UUP Assemblyman Fred Cobain said he was "horrified" anyone would prey on such vulnerable people.

"It has to be stamped out, we've had enough of this type of criminal behaviour," he added.

Alliance MLA Anna Lo, the first person from an ethnic minority background to win a seat in the Assembly, said: "If we are to progress as a society we have to get rid of the paramilitary thugs behind such activity. They are just gangsters.

"Clearly they see these groups of people who are here to help our economy as easy targets and I'm quite sure most people will be outraged when they learn what's going on."