Concern expressed at reported death threats issued by dissident group

By Rebecca Black, Press Association

Concern has been expressed about reported death threats issued against a number of individuals by a dissident republican group.

DUP North Belfast MLA Phillip Brett said one of his constituents was among those threatened by Óglaigh na hÉireann.

Óglaigh na hÉireann is among a number of dissident republican groups in Northern Ireland, but has been less active in recent years than other groups.

On Tuesday, Brett called for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to “take swift and firm action” with regard to the threats.

“These cowards can play dress up, hide under the cover of darkness and issue all the threats they like. We will not be intimidated or dragged backwards,” he said.

Brett went on: “One of those threatened by Óglaigh na hÉireann is my constituent. Police have already attended his home and I have spoken directly with senior PSNI officers about the seriousness of this threat.

“The PSNI must now act swiftly and firmly. Those responsible for issuing these threats and for attempting to intimidate people through the threat of violence must be identified, arrested and brought before the courts.

“There can be no ambiguity about this. Armed republican groups issuing death threats and attempting to terrorise people in their own homes have no place in Northern Ireland.

“My thoughts are with my constituent and his family. They should not have to live under this kind of intimidation.”

The DUP MLA added: “Óglaigh na hÉireann can hide behind masks, guns and grandiose statements, but it does not change what they are. Cowards attempting to drag Northern Ireland backwards.

“We will not allow them to succeed.”

A PSNI spokesperson said: “We do not discuss the security of individuals and no inference should be drawn from this.

“However, if we receive information that a person’s life may be at risk we will inform them accordingly.

“We never ignore anything which may put an individual at risk.”