Fermanagh’s dissident threat ‘all too real’
FERMANAGH’S top police officer has hit out at dissident republicans for a series of both real and hoax security alerts.
Chief Inspector Alywin Barton said dissidents remained ‘determined’ to disrupt and target local communities. The statement comes shortly after a three-day search near Roslea following claims a device had been planted there.
“Over the past few months, dissident republican terrorists in Fermanagh have shown their true colours and that includes a complete disdain for people living in the area”, said the area commander.
“Some of their attacks have been all too real. Others have been hoaxes. However, all of them have to be treated seriously by police.
“These situations are potentially lethal. The criminals may say that their targets are the police or the Army’s bomb disposal experts, but the reality is their activities are putting the ordinary people of Fermanagh at risk of serious injury, or worse.”
Calling for more information from the rural communities, Mr Barton said: “The terrorists are a small group, but they are deadly.
“All right-thinking people in the county must seek to isolate them and deny them even a toehold of support.
“Unfortunately, they seem determined to disrupt and target local communities. It is important that we all remain vigilant.
“Northern Ireland has had its fill of terrorism.
“If you see any object that is suspicious… if you see any activity that is out of the ordinary, tell the police.”
