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05/03/2009
Threat Of Dissident Republican Attack Raised
The risk of attack by the groups behind NI's worst ever terrorist atrocity - the Omagh bomb - is this week ranked higher than ever.
Dissident republicans now pose a greater threat than ever and are expected to make a concerted campaign to try and prevent further political progress.
On Wednesday, the threat assessment was raised from "substantial" to "severe", meaning an attack is regarded as highly likely.
The dissident threat is thought to be high in traditional republican strongholds including south and west Belfast, Newry and Mourne, south Tyrone and Strabane.
The sources also say the dissident threat is at its highest on Fermanagh.
A PSNI spokesman said they keep their security response under constant review and "it would not be appropriate to go into details on any measures we take".
The decision to upgrade the level was made by MI5 - responsible for gathering intelligence on dissident republicans.
For a number of years now the threat posed by dissidents was "substantial", meaning attacks were regarded as a strong possibility.
While dissident groups remain relatively small and do not have a central command structure - intelligence information suggests groups in some areas are becoming much better organised and more technically sophisticated.
Their level of activity has also increased although police have prevented a large number of planned attacks in recent months.
This stepping up of the campaign is said to be as a result of the Northern Ireland Bill being debated in the House of Commons.
Westminster is currently preparing the way for devolution of policing and justice powers to the Stormont Assembly.
(BMcC/JM)
Dissident republicans now pose a greater threat than ever and are expected to make a concerted campaign to try and prevent further political progress.
On Wednesday, the threat assessment was raised from "substantial" to "severe", meaning an attack is regarded as highly likely.
The dissident threat is thought to be high in traditional republican strongholds including south and west Belfast, Newry and Mourne, south Tyrone and Strabane.
The sources also say the dissident threat is at its highest on Fermanagh.
A PSNI spokesman said they keep their security response under constant review and "it would not be appropriate to go into details on any measures we take".
The decision to upgrade the level was made by MI5 - responsible for gathering intelligence on dissident republicans.
For a number of years now the threat posed by dissidents was "substantial", meaning attacks were regarded as a strong possibility.
While dissident groups remain relatively small and do not have a central command structure - intelligence information suggests groups in some areas are becoming much better organised and more technically sophisticated.
Their level of activity has also increased although police have prevented a large number of planned attacks in recent months.
This stepping up of the campaign is said to be as a result of the Northern Ireland Bill being debated in the House of Commons.
Westminster is currently preparing the way for devolution of policing and justice powers to the Stormont Assembly.
(BMcC/JM)
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14 September 2009
'Severe' Dissident Threat: Gillespie
Dissident republicans continue to pose a 'severe' threat to Northern Ireland, a senior police officer has said. Acting PSNI Chief Constable Judith Gillespie's announcement comes just days after a 600lb explosive device was made safe close to the border. It has been claimed the dissident group behind the bomb plot may be planning a second attack.
'Severe' Dissident Threat: Gillespie
Dissident republicans continue to pose a 'severe' threat to Northern Ireland, a senior police officer has said. Acting PSNI Chief Constable Judith Gillespie's announcement comes just days after a 600lb explosive device was made safe close to the border. It has been claimed the dissident group behind the bomb plot may be planning a second attack.
11 December 2006
Sinn Fein President's death threat 'called off'
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has today been told that a threat on his life by dissident republicans had been withdrawn. It is understood that dissidents had planned to shoot the party leader, however the attack has since been scrapped due to an increase on his personal security.
Sinn Fein President's death threat 'called off'
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has today been told that a threat on his life by dissident republicans had been withdrawn. It is understood that dissidents had planned to shoot the party leader, however the attack has since been scrapped due to an increase on his personal security.
25 November 2003
Chief Constable says police 'ready' for dissident threat
PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde has warned that there may be more "problems" in the next two days as police make final security preparations to guard the polling stations in Northern Ireland ahead of tomorrow's election. The Chief Constable's comments came after a bomb attack near an army base in Dungannon in Co Tyrone on Monday.
Chief Constable says police 'ready' for dissident threat
PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde has warned that there may be more "problems" in the next two days as police make final security preparations to guard the polling stations in Northern Ireland ahead of tomorrow's election. The Chief Constable's comments came after a bomb attack near an army base in Dungannon in Co Tyrone on Monday.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
