PSNI opens criminal investigation after armed group issues threats to councillors and MLAs

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has launched a criminal investigation after masked and armed men appeared in an online video issuing threats to elected representatives in the Newry, Mourne and Down area.

The video, which has circulated widely across social media platforms in recent days, shows several individuals dressed in paramilitary-style clothing and holding weapons.

The group in the footage has called itself the New Republican Movement, an organisation previously unknown to political and security observers.

Police confirmed that they are treating the incident as a serious threat to the safety of democratically elected officials.

District Commander Superintendent Lynne Corbett condemned the footage, saying:

“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.”

Superintendent Corbett added that supporting those targeted remains a priority for local officers.

“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.”

Local representatives across the district have expressed deep concern at the emergence of yet another threat against political figures in Northern Ireland. The PSNI has urged anyone with information about the video or the individuals involved to come forward immediately.

The investigation is ongoing.