11/11/2010

'IRA' Hilltown Roadblock Probed By PSNI

The PSNI has confirmed they are taking allegations that a roadblock was set up by four armed republican dissidents in Co Down last Friday seriously.

The matter is now under investigation after reports that the gang, said to be wearing balaclavas and combat gear and carrying guns, stopped traffic on the Kilbroney Road close to Hilltown at around 11.45pm on the 5th November.

DUP South Down MLA Jim Wells has expressed his outrage and also said that his sources also indicated that a mortar was smuggled in to nearby Kilcoo.

"It is nothing short of outrageous that four armed thugs were in a position to unlawfully mount an illegal checkpoint and block the road between Hilltown and Rostrevor.

"This incident was brought to my attention after policemen were warned to avoid the road when off duty.

"The entire community wants nothing to do with the armed republicans who were behind this incident. These people offer nothing but a return to the violence and bloodshed of the past," the MLA said.

"I have been led to understand that the mortar smuggled in to Kilcoo is intended for use against the security forces," he continued, noting that a previous PSNI Chief Constable made reference to the dissidents being pursued to the ends of the earth following the murder by republicans of Constable Carroll in Lurgan.

"Everyone wants to see those words lived up to by the current Chief Constable," said the DUP MLA.

(BMcC/GK)

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