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A 46-year-old man has been arrested under the Terrorism Act following searches in the Newry area as part of an investigation into reports of threats made to elected representatives in Newry, Mourne and Down in late 2025.
It follows harassment of local councillors in late 2025 believed to be connected to the decision of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to become a Council of Sanctuary. There was also a video release on social media at the start of December showing three masked and armed people claiming that elected representatives were "legitimate targets". It's not known what specific threats the arrest is related to.
Detectives from the PSNI Serious Crime Branch carried out the searches and made the arrest today, Tuesday 13 January. The man remains in police custody at this time, assisting with enquiries.
Detective Chief Inspector Bradley confirmed the arrest was made under the Terrorism Act and said the searches and subsequent arrest forms part of an investigation into reports of threats made to elected representatives in Newry, Mourne and Down.
Officers from both PSNI Serious Crime Branch and Local Policing in Newry, Mourne and Down are continuing to coordinate their efforts and work together to fully investigate threats directed towards elected representatives, hold those responsible to account, and keep the community safe.
