Surge in PSNI raids

A series of raids and arrests connected to the death of County Armagh man Paul Quinn last October has drawn protests.

Twelve people have been questioned in connection with the killing in recent weeks in an arrest operation branding as “heavy-handed” and “politically motivated” by Sinn Féin councillor Brendan Curran.

“Most of those arrested have been victims of a lengthy campaign of rumour, innuendo and finger pointing,” he said.

“There has been an unparalled level of support for the investigation into Paul Quinn’s murder.

“The community is convinced that these arrests are a result of this ongoing finger-pointing campaign, rather than as a result of a nine month professional police investigation, an opinion backed up by the fact that all of those arrested have been released without charge.”

Mr Curran said complaints had been lodged with the police ombudsman but he reiterated his party’s support for the Quinn family.

Meanwhile, the PSNI have launched what they described as a “crackdown” against republicans in Lurgan and Armagh, with two arrests.

The raids followed a series of bomb attacks and hoax alerts on the Belfast-Dublin railway lines in recent weeks.

And a South Armagh man has again been denied bail in connection with the kidnap of British Army officer Robert Nairac in south Armagh more than 30 years ago.

Nairac was attempting to spy on republican activities in 1977 when he was captured and killed by the IRA.

Jonesborough man Kevin Crilly contacted the PSNI’s Historical Enquiries Team, after a BBC documentary alleged he played a role in the incident.

Urgent Appeal