Dissident republicans terrorists have "no chance" of bringing down the Peace Process, a former Metropolitan anti-terror chief has said.

John Grieve, one of four Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) members, said dissidents "cannot win". Mr Grieve was speaking following the publication of the IMC's latest report, which suggested the Real and Continuity IRA were receiving support from experienced former Provos.

The terror groups have stepped up their deadly campaign in recent month, with the IMC claiming the threat level posed is at a six-year high.

Real IRA member shot dead two soldiers outside an Antrim army barracks in March. Two days later the Continuity IRA murdered an on-duty policeman in Craigavon.

Almost a dozen other attempts have been made to kill security personnel in the wake of the attacks.

Mr Grieve, a former boss of the London Met's anti-terrorist squad, said a series of "fragmented groups" were "particularly active" at the moment.

He told the Belfast Telegraph the current threat level is "severe".

However, Mr Grieve said there was "no resemblance to the past".

"I think it was summed up by the former Chief Constable [Sir Hugh Order] - that they are trying to make themselves relevant," Mr Grieve added.

"They have no chance of unravelling the peace process."

He said the groups will not force the return of the army - "that is just not going to happen".

Mr Grieve insisted he was not playing down the threat, but added: "I am absolutely convinced they cannot win."

(PR/BMcC)