DISSIDENT SUSPECT HELD OVER MORTAR BOMB ATTACK

Army bomb squad make safe a CIRA mortar launching tube in Lurgan in 2007

Army bomb squad make safe a CIRA mortar launching tube in Lurgan in 2007

GARDAI have arrested a man wanted in Northern Ireland over a plot to kill police officers in a mortar bomb attack.

Now the PSNI’s Serious Crime Branch want Ryan McKenna extradited to face charges in connection with the Co Armagh attack.

The High Court in Dublin heard the 24-year-old, who is originally from Lurgan, was wanted in relation to terrorist offences which three co-accused have already pleaded guilty to.

He is accused of conspiracy to cause an explosion in Lurgan in 2007.

The extradition request is in relation to a bomb plot blamed on the Continuity IRA.

A live mortar, complete with launching tube, was found near the Cornakinnegar Road on April 5 2007 outside Lurgan.

The device was designed to be fired horizontally.

McKenna also faces a charge of possession of an explosive with intent to endanger life or property, and possession of an explosive in suspicious circumstances.

Detective Sergeant John McElroy said he arrested McKenna in the village of Cross, Co Mayo, where he has been living, at 8.10pm on Monday night.

He took him to Galway Garda Station before his court appearance on Tuesday morning.

Members of the McKenna family were in court and called his name as he appeared in navy work clothes.

Mr Justice John Edwards remanded him in custody until Friday.

In 2009, three men – Damien McKenna, 26, Deans Walk, Gary Toman, 24, Drumnahoe Avenue and Sean McConville, 23, Kilwilkie Road, all in Lurgan, pleaded guilty at Belfast Crown Court.

The police said they believed the men were members of the Continuity IRA.

McKenna had been under surveillance for six months by a covert military unit.

 

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