Fresh Dissident Arrests

A man has been detained by police in Co Tyrone as part of an ongoing investigation into dissident republican activity.

Officers arrested the man in Dungannon last night, making him the fourth person to be held over alleged terrorist offences in as many days.

Earlier on Thursday, another man and a women, also from the Tyrone area, were questioned by the PSNI's Serious Crime Branch.

Police arrested two men on Tuesday, one has since been released.

Officers have been granted more time to question the other. He remained in police custody last night.

The PSNI's Operation Dissent has now been in action for a week. It has seen an increase in patrols and checkpoints across the province.

Police commanders sanctioned the operation in anticipation of new Chief Constable Matt Baggot taking office on Tuesday.

Security sources had warned of potential dissident violence to mark Mr Baggot's first day in the job.

Earlier this month a 600lb was made safe close to the border, and sustained trouble erupted in Lurgan following the jailing of three dissident republicans.

Speaking at the Police Federation's annual conference in Belfast yesterday, Mr Baggott said he would tackle dissident activity with increased on-street presence, and by engaging more with communities.

(PR/BMcc)