PSNI says no evidence shots were fired at police helicopter
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has denied claims from “violent dissident republicans” that shots were fired at a police helicopter.
The Continuity IRA (CIRA) said it had targeted the police during a security alert in the Wattlebridge Road area of Newtownbutler on Thursday (January 14).
However, Superintendent Alywin Barton said there was no evidence of shots being fired and no police aircraft had sustained any damage.
The PSNI Fermanagh and Omagh District commander said: “I can confirm that no police aircraft, deployed in the area, was required to take evasive action and that, to date, we have received no reports of shots being heard or fired in the area. I can also confirm that no police aircraft sustained any damage.”
The CIRA made the claims in a statement to the Irish News on Friday (January 15).
Supt Barton added: “If there is any truth to this claim then the criminals behind it have shown nothing but a reckless disregard for the community in Fermanagh.
“I unequivocally condemn the actions of those who attempt to damage our communities with their criminal actions and claims and seek to disrupt policing and the daily lives of law abiding citizens.
“We have been working closely with the local community during our investigation and our inquiries will continue.”