Continuity IRA may have fired on civilian helicopters in Fermangh, says PSNI

THE NORTHERN POLICE have said the Continuity IRA may have fired on a civilian helicopter, rather than a police helicopter, in an incident reported last Thursday.

The PSNI said today that a search operation is underway on a report last Wednesday of people allegedly representing the dissident group who left a suspicious device in the Wattlebridge Road area of ​​Newtownbutler in Fermanagh.

The Continuity IRA later claimed that it had fired on a police helicopter in the area.

It has been established that a civilian helicopter was in the area at the time, but the PSNI said today that no damage was caused.

Chief Superintendent Andy Freeburn said: “I can confirm that the Police Service helicopter was not deployed to the Wattlebridge area at any time on Thursday, January 14. A fixed-wing aircraft was deployed to conduct searches on this date. After extensive investigations, we have established that a private helicopter was traveling through the area on Thursday.

“If there is any truth to the claims of the dissident Republicans, we believe that this civilian helicopter is the plane they shot. Fortunately, the helicopter was not damaged and its occupant did not realize that shots had been fired.

“Those involved have shown their utter contempt for the lives of ordinary people. The fact that this alleged attack was aimed at the police does not make it any less egregious. Police officers protect our communities every day from this threat and continue to do everything possible to build a safer society. “

Gardaí is assisting the PSNI in the operation in Newtownbutler, which is close to the border with Monaghan.

There are several road closures, including on Cavan Road and Wattlebridge Road.

Tonight, Northern Ireland Prime Minister Arlene Foster said the incident highlighted the “utter stupidity and recklessness of these Republican terrorists.”

“This latest incident in which Republicans claimed they left a device in the area and then fired at a civilian helicopter is insane,” he said.

“Regardless of the debate over whether or not they targeted a helicopter, who in their right mind would even think of shooting down a helicopter over a populated area? The devastation is unthinkable ”.

With a report from the Press Association