Investigation into threats made to elected representatives

A criminal investigation is under way after threats were made to elected representatives in the Newry, Mourne and Down area, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have said.

The threats were made by three armed and masked men in front of an Irish flag, in a video circulating on social media.

One of them read a statement which said the area’s assembly members (MLAs) and councillors were considered targets because of “policies” around immigration.

The threats purport to come from a previously unheard of group calling itself the “New Republican Movement”.

Supt Lynne Corbett said: “It is completely unacceptable that anyone should face such threats and intimidation for carrying out the duties of the office to which they have been democratically elected.

“We have commenced an investigation to identify those responsible.

“Police in Newry, Mourne and Down will continue engaging closely with our local elected representatives and will do all we can to ensure they feel supported and safe in our communities, and that they can undertake their role free from intimidation.”

The Newry and Armagh MP, Dáire Hughes, said: “The sinister threats issued by faceless thugs against elected members of Newry, Mourne and Down are an attack on democracy and on the mandate each of us as elected members receives from the public.

“Let me be crystal clear: these faceless individuals represent no one and they will not deter me or my party colleagues from carrying out our work, every day, representing our constituents.

“Despite bombs planted at our offices and chilling threats made through social media, Sinn Féin will continue to stand up for our people.

“I send solidarity to each of my elected colleagues across our constituencies. Let us stand as one against these deluded individuals.”

Alliance Party MLA Eóin Tennyson called the video “vile and reprehensible”.

“Such threats have absolutely no place in our society and my solidarity is with every councillor and MLA who has been targeted.

“This is not just an attack on politicians, but on the people they serve and the democratic process itself. These faceless thugs do not speak for our community, and they will not succeed in dragging us backwards.

“Alliance will not be deterred from serving the people who elected us. The people of Newry, Mourne and Down reject violence and coercion, and our local team will continue to build a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone who calls the district home.”