Three arrested in dissident republican probes

02/08/2006 - 12:27:18
Police in the North have arrested three men in connection with two separate investigations into suspected dissident republican activity.

Two of the men, who are believed to be related, were arrested during raids on houses in Bellaghy, Co Derry, this morning.

The PSNI has refused to disclose details of the operation or of the offences about which the men are being questioned.

Sinn Féin has criticised the searches, saying the police had refused to allow women and children to leave the targeted houses.

The party says it has lodged a complaint about the conduct of the PSNI officers with the Police Ombudsman.

Meanwhile, another suspected dissident republican was also arrested in connection with the seizure 15 million contraband cigarettes in Co Armagh last November.

Two men charged earlier this year in connection with the seizure, while a third was released on bail.