Five men were arrested today in Northern Ireland over the murder of a Catholic policeman.
Constable Ronan Kerr, 25 was killed when a bomb, believed to be planted by dissident republicans, exploded under his car outside his home in Beragh, Omagh, County Tyrone on April 2 this year.
Police confirmed that five men, have been detained in connection with Constable Kerr’s death in an operation involving up to 200 officers. One man from Omagh has already been charged.
The five suspects were all arrested under the Terrorism Act and are being questioned at the Serious Crime Suite at the County Antrim police station.They are aged between 22 and 46.
Police believe Constable Kerr was killed by a dissident republican unit, which includes former Provisional IRA members who are aligned with, but independent from, the Real IRA.
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Detective Superintendent Raymond Murray, the officer in charge of the case, said: “Our determination to pursue every possible line of inquiry remains undiminished.
“The investigation is progressing and police have been encouraged by the support and assistance, which has been forthcoming from across the community.
“During this search stage, we would ask for people’s continued patience and co-operation as we work to complete our inquiries to maximum effect, as expeditiously as possible and with the minimum amount of disruption to community life.”
Police are offering a £50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Constable Kerr’s murderers.
