Officers working tirelessly to combat right-wing extremism threat, says Boutcher

Northern Ireland’s police chief has said his officers are working tirelessly to combat what he described as the increasing threat posed by right-wing extremism in the region.

Jon Boutcher was commenting after 17 improvised explosive devices and two detonators were recovered last week in an investigation linked to what the PSNI said was “extreme right-wing terrorism”.

A man was arrested and later charged in connection with searches on the Shankill Road and Edwina Street.

Mr Boutcher spoke about the operation as he appeared before the Northern Ireland Policing Board on Thursday.

“We have seen over a number of years now – and it’s linked to the geopolitics that we’re experiencing – an increase in extreme right-wing activity,” he told reporters after the meeting.

“And I’m delighted that we’ve had an operation – again because this organisation continues to work tirelessly and effectively in dealing with all of the myriad of threats we face – that we recovered a significant number of IEDs and two detonators in a recent operation where we now have a man charged.

“We are working, as you would all expect us to work, against all of the different threats that we face in Northern Ireland to keep people safe.

“There is an increase in extreme, right-wing activity. We’ve seen that across the island of Ireland and across the islands of the United Kingdom, and we’re working with An Garda Síochána and UK police forces, including the National Counter Terrorism network, to make sure we’re addressing those threats.

“And the recent activity, and the recent arrest and recovery of those incredibly dangerous items, demonstrates that’s what we’re doing.”

Amnesty International has urged the police to outline the full extent of the threat posed by right-wing extremists in Northern Ireland.

Commenting earlier this week, Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International’s Northern Ireland Programme Director said: “This explosives find in Belfast points to a threat that does not lie in the future, but is a clear and present danger.

“The police must urgently establish the full extent of this threat and ensure that everyone responsible is brought to justice. The safety of all our communities cannot be left in doubt.”

Wesley Thomas Fletcher, 35, of Leopold Street, Belfast, appeared in court on Monday facing three charges in connection with the north Belfast operation.

They are two charges of possession of explosives under suspicious circumstances and one charge of possession of a prohibited weapon, a Taser.

He appeared in the dock at Belfast Magistrates’ Court for the brief hearing on Monday morning, after having been arrested on Friday.

No application for bail was made and Fletcher was remanded in custody.