Man arrested after ‘IRA men went into pubs making threats’

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

Detectives from the PSNI’s terrorism unit have made an arrest in relation to reports that masked men “claiming to represent the IRA” entered local pubs making threats.

The PSNI received a report that masked men had entered licensed premises on the main street in Dungiven, Co Derry, on Friday and made threats before leaving.

Another report said that at about 7.20pm the same day masked individuals, one of whom was believed to have a hand gun, entered a sports club in the Garvagh Road area and also made threats.

Detectives from the Terrorism Investigation Unit arrested a 58-year-old man in the Dungiven area on Sunday morning.

He was detained under the Terrorism Act and taken to the Serious Crime Suite at Musgrave Police Station for questioning.

“We wholly condemn what happened in Dungiven on Friday when armed and masked men, claiming to represent the IRA, entered a number of local bars,” Detective Inspector Wilson said.

“I want to reassure the community that we are treating these incidents extremely seriously and we are actively pursuing the perpetrators.

“Those engaging in these acts of intimidation actions serve only to brutalise communities and attempt to exert control over others through threats and violence.

“Everyone has the right to live free from such threats and I would appeal to the community to assist our ongoing investigation.

“Anyone who can help can contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1421 19/01/24.

“We are especially keen to hear from anyone who was in the Garvagh Road or Main Street areas between 7pm and 8pm on Friday night, or anyone who may have captured dash-cam or any other footage in the area.”