Police launch probe after masked men threaten politicians in social media video

Police are investigating a threat to elected representatives made by masked men on a video circulated on social media.

The threat was made to councillors and MLAs in the Newry, Mourne and Down district by a group calling themselves the “New Republican Movement”.

They claimed the politicians are “legitimate targets” due to their stance on immigration issues.

Three masked men appear in the video in front of an Irish flag. All are in possession of apparent firearms.

One of the men delivers the threatening statement while sitting at a table as the other two stand behind him.

PSNI District Commander Superintendent 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.”

In October, an explosive device was left outside the Newry constituency office of Sinn Fein Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins and party colleague, MP Daire Hughes.

MP for Newry and Armagh Mr 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 Fein 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.”

DUP South Down MLA Diane Forsythe condemned the video, branding it “vile and cowardly”.

“It is an attack on all who serve their communities, regardless of background or party,” she said.

“It seeks to drag Northern Ireland back to a dark past that the vast majority have rejected. Our children should not be seeing this on their news feeds.

“Republicans in the 70s, 80s and 90s tried these tactics and they failed. It is concerning but we will not be deterred in speaking up and standing up for our communities.

“Of course, because some in elected leadership today celebrate the IRA’s actions in the 70s, it is no surprise that this generation is trying to use copycat tactics.

“Unionist representatives in this area have faced years of sectarian abuse and intimidation simply for holding public office and representing a minority community. Those who issue threats or use fear as a weapon must not be allowed to succeed.

“I thank the PSNI officers who have reached out to affected representatives. It is vital that every possible resource is deployed to trace those responsible, including identifying and pursuing the IP address and online sources from which this video was issued.

“These masked men represent no one. They will not silence the democratic voice of the people of South Down. The DUP will continue to stand firm. We will serve without fear, and defend the right of everyone to participate in public life.”