Police on alert for terror attacks at Easter parades

Published on Sunday 24 April 2011 19:02

Police were on high alert across Northern Ireland last night amid fears of a terror attack to mark traditional republican Easter commemorations.

As mainstream republicans held events across the island of Ireland yesterday to remember the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin against British rule, security forces were concerned dissidents opposed to the peace process would attempt a symbolic action. Increased patrol and checkpoints were mounted in a bid to thwart any act of violence.

Just three weeks after the murder of Constable Ronan Kerr in Omagh, Co Tyrone, police warned terrorist groups could be intent on trying to kill more officers in the coming days and weeks.

A 33-year-old man arrested by detectives investigating the policeman's murder appeared in court in Dungannon on Saturday on a series of arms and explosive charges.

A police spokesman said: "Dissident terrorist groups are continuing to identify officers and target them with the single objective of killing them.

"And in so doing, their reckless actions will also put the lives of our wider communities at risk."