Northern Ireland

Saoradh offices raided as nine continue to be questioned

Police have carried out raids on four Saoradh offices across the north. Picture by Mal McCann.
Police have carried out raids on four Saoradh offices across the north. Picture by Mal McCann. Police have carried out raids on four Saoradh offices across the north. Picture by Mal McCann.

Four offices belonging to republican party Saoradh have been raided in what police say is part of an investigation into the activities of the 'IRA'.

Buildings used by the party were searched in Derry, Belfast, Dungannon and Newry in what appeared to be a co-ordinated operation yesterday.

Crime Operations Assistant Chief Constable Barbara Gray said properties at four locations were searched "in connection with an ongoing investigation into the activities of the New IRA".

The searches came after nine people were arrested on Tuesday.

The seven men and two women were detained in Derry, Armagh, and Tyrone during early-morning raids and are all being questioned at Musgrave Police Station in Belfast.

The nine, who are aged between 26 and 50 years, were arrested as part of an operation called Arbacia, which is also believed to involve MI5.

Earlier this week gardaí carried out six searches in Dublin, Laois, Cork and Kerry.

On Wednesday a court granted police an extra 72 hours to question those arrested.

Several of those detained are members of Saoradh.