Northern Ireland

Tyrone 'Garda car' images two years old

Images of the Garda car claimed to have travelled through Co Tyrone this week were first posted more than two years ago. Pictures from Donegal Live
Images of the Garda car claimed to have travelled through Co Tyrone this week were first posted more than two years ago. Pictures from Donegal Live Images of the Garda car claimed to have travelled through Co Tyrone this week were first posted more than two years ago. Pictures from Donegal Live

IMAGES of a Garda car driving through Co Tyrone which sparked an angry DUP response are more than two years old, it has emerged.

Pictures of the marked patrol car claimed to have been travelling along the Lurganboy Road, near Castlederg, were posted online this week.

Derry and Strabane DUP councillor Maurice Devenney said the car was seen in the area in recent days.

He added it was important to clarify if a report had been made on the gardai “incursion” into the north.

"I have spoken to PSNI regarding it and they have informed me that if a car does cross into a different jurisdiction, there is a reporting mechanism if a mistake has been made," he told Donegal Live.

"I can understand 100 yards or so when you realise you're not in your own territory but to be almost near Castlederg town, that's a long way from the border."

It was also reported that West Tyrone DUP MLA Tom Buchanan, has written to Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, a former member of the PSNI, asking for an investigation.

"This incident needs to be fully investigated, as it was well within the border," he said.

In a statement last night the PSNI said: "Following enquiries we believe these images are from 2020."

A spokesman for An Garda Síochána said it "does not comment on images posted on social media the authenticity or origin of which are not verified.

"However, for clarification An Garda Síochána understands that these images are not recent and have appeared before on social media," he said.

"As a general comment An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland have an excellent working relationship and have agreed protocols between both organisations for close working co-operation along the border.

"The presence of unarmed members of An Garda Síochána in Northern Ireland does not involve the commission of any criminal offence."