As part of an ongoing investigation into the activities of the New IRA, the PSNI has arrested two men, and conducted a number of searches in Derry today.
The two suspects, aged 23 and 28, have been arrested under the Terrorism Act on suspicion of involvement in four assaults involving firearms that occurred in the Creggan area of the city in January and February of this year.
Police say the victims of those attacks suffered horrific injuries that will leave physical and mental scars, and trauma that may never heal.
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Statement in full –
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Terrorism Investigation Unit have today arrested two men, and conducted a number of searches in Derry/Londonderry, in connection with the activities of the new IRA.
Detective Superintendent Richard Campbell, Head of the Terrorism Investigation Unit, said: “The two suspects, aged 23 and 28, have been arrested under the Terrorism Act on suspicion of involvement in four assaults involving firearms that occurred in the Creggan area of Derry/Londonderry on 6th January, 8th January and 6th February this year.
Those responsible for these reckless acts show a blatant disregard for the lives of their victims and for the local community that they claim to protect. These victims have suffered horrific injuries that will leave physical and mental scars and trauma that may never heal. These vicious attacks are clear human rights abuses.
Anyone who believes it is acceptable to bring guns onto the street and use them in a built-up area shows the contempt they have for people in the community. The bullets could have strayed at any moment and hit someone passing by. No community deserves to live with the threat of this violence nor do they want to be associated with the harm this causes victims and their families.
Anyone with any information that can assist with our investigations is asked to contact police on 101, or submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
