Real IRA statement threatens PSNI and Queen’s first visit to the Irish Republic

Following the murder of Constable Ronan Kerr on Saturday April 2 Northern Ireland has been on a state of alert and has seen bomb disposal experts deal with incidents including that of a sophisticated device found inside a wheelie bin in a van that was left abandoned near Newry under the main Belfast to Dublin road. The 500lb bomb would have caused carnage had it exploded and police believed it was destined for a town centre.

Since then arrests have been made and 33-year old Gavin Coyle was charged with serious terrorism offences. He was arrested in the days following Constable Kerr’s murder and a large arms find near where the policeman was murdered.

Today, in a rally organised to coincide with the anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising, the 32 County Sovereignty Movement, considered the political wing of the Real IRA, made a statement outside the City Cemetery in Londonderry where they said that they would kill more officers of the Police Serivce Northern Ireland (PSNI). The statement made clear that PSNI officers would be targeted regardless of the religion, their motivation or their cultural background.

The statement also revealed that they were against the upcoming first visit of the Queen to the Irish Republic due to take place next month and said that they would disrupt the visit.

During the statement they said, "The Queen of England is wanted for war crimes in Ireland and is not wanted on Irish soil."

The event was attended by around 300 people and monitored by police helicopter. Police had warned people in Northern Ireland to be extra vigilant throughout the Easter weekend. The PSNI have stated that they feel an attack is imminent.

Earler three men also appeared in court in Newry, County Down on charges of possessing guns and preparing for terrorism. They had been arrested on Friday in South Armagh. Police searching the area afterwards found explosives and material they believed could be used to build bombs.