Last week the Ulster Political Research Group's North Antrim and Londonderry Regional Committee (UPRG) - a group linked to the UDA - said it was withdrawing support for the PSNI.

The group claim the PSNI are operating "a political and green agenda" in the city.

But the PSNI's Commander Chief Superintendent Stephen Martin said the UPRG's decision to withdraw support for policing was regrettable.

"We totally refute any suggestion that the PSNI partake in 'political policing'. As an organisation we serve every community in a fair, impartial and professional manner.

"We have never been slow to engage with anyone who wants to work to address issues of crime, anti-social behaviour and sectarianism and we regret the decision by some to disengage in that process."

Commander Chief Superintendent Martin said the PSNI would continue to engage with all sections of the community.

"Officers across this District have worked tirelessly to build relations with residents, local representatives and other agencies so that everyone can benefit from a more peaceful society, and our work will continue."

Meanwhile Sinn Fein's Martina Anderson has branded the UPRG statement " a pathetic whinge on behalf of a discredited criminal gang."

The Derry MLA said Wednesday's statement will " have little real impact."

" The vast majority of people, myself included, were completely unaware that the UDA, who are engaged in drug dealing, racist and sectarian attacks were ever supporters of either the PSNI or the political institutions.

"In that context their rather grand announcement of a withdrawal of support will have little real impact.

"In many ways this statement represents a significant challenge for unionist political leaders. This criminal gang is very clear that it has no intention of going anywhere.

"I have to say this statement is little more than a pathetic whinge on behalf of a discredited criminal gang," she said.