Police say they are closing in on dissident republicans responsible for a series of shootings in Dungiven in recent years.
PSNI Superintendant John Magill was speaking as he confirmed police will replace the automatic number plate recognition camera that was cut down in the town in January (pictured above right), and which a group, known as ‘The North Derry Republican Group’, claimed responsibility for.
When asked about this group, Supt. Magill said: “We are keeping a close eye on a number of groups who have intent, let’s say, to destroy or damage ANPR cameras and that group [NDRG] is one of them.”
The North Derry Republican Group has also, in the past, claimed responsibility for shootings in the Dungiven area.
“The net is very tight around them and those matters are all under active investigation,” said Supt. Magill. “There are some very firm lines of enquiry and we are making very good progress.”
Supt. Magill said police were in the advanced stages of having the vandalised camera replaced.
“It’s an expensive piece of kit, costing tens of thousands of pounds, and is there for a very important reason. For example, when you look at the incident at the GAA premises last weekend, the benefits of that camera could not be realised because persons had cut it down. It’s unfortunate, but we are going to replace that camera,” He added: “It’s for everyone benefit that it goes up.”
Sinn Fein Colr. Sean McGlinchey said: “I’ve always welcomed the PSNI camera being there because it’s there to protect the public. I hope common sense prevails this time and those who cut it down before leave it be.”
