Northern Ireland

Derry arrests linked to hunger strike show of strength

An armed colour party fired a number of shots into the air during a commemoration marking the 40th anniversary of the death of Derry hunger-striker, Patsy O'Hara.
An armed colour party fired a number of shots into the air during a commemoration marking the 40th anniversary of the death of Derry hunger-striker, Patsy O'Hara. An armed colour party fired a number of shots into the air during a commemoration marking the 40th anniversary of the death of Derry hunger-striker, Patsy O'Hara.

POLICE have arrested four men in Derry in connection with investigations into the firing of shots at a commemoration marking the fortieth anniversary of the death of Patsy O'Hara.

The men, aged 29, 42 and two aged 39, have been released following questioning. Police said the investigation remains ongoing.

Up to 12 men took part in the incident near the hunger-striker's former home at Ardfoyle in the Bishop Street area last month.

Following the unveiling of a new mural in his memory, shots were fired into the air.

The incident, which took place in daylight, provoked a furious reaction from police and public representatives.

A police spokeswoman said detectives investigating the incident arrested four men and searched several properties and houses in Derry yesterday morning. It is understood the searches centred on the Ballymagroarty area.

"The men, aged 29, 42 and two aged 39, have been arrested under the Terrorism Act and taken to the serious crime suite at Musgrave police station for questioning," she said.

"A number of items were seized and have been taken away for further examination."