Londonderry: Five men arrested under Terrorism Act

Security alert in Dungiven where a viable explosive device was found beside the young mother’s car.
Author: Chelsie KealeyPublished 12th May 2021
Last updated 12th May 2021

Detectives have today (Wednesday) arrested five men in Co. Londonderry under the Terrorism Act.

Three men - aged 23, 52 and 62 - are being questioned about the attempted murder of a part-time police officer in Derry.

A viable explosive device was found beside the young mother’s car in Dungiven on the Ballyquin road on April 19th.

Detective Superintendent Richard Campbell, head of the Terrorism Investigation Unit, said a 52-year-old man is also being questioned as part of Op Ledging, targeting the New IRA's bomb making activities as well as the group's storage of explosive devices and equipment.

Meanwhile, two different men, aged 48 and 59, are being questioned on suspicion of involvement in the murder of Constable Michael Ferguson.

The 21-year-old was shot dead by the Provisional IRA whilst on duty in Shipquay Street in Derry on January 23, 1993.

In a statement released this afternoon, Det Ch Supt Richard Campbell said:

“Three men, aged 23, 52 and 62 years, have been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of a female member of police staff, who is also a part time police officer, following the discovery of a viable explosive device beside the young mother’s car in Ballyquin Road, Dungiven on Monday 19th April.

“The 52 year old man is also being questioned as part of Op Ledging, targeting the New IRA’s bomb making activities as well as the group’s storage of explosive devices and equipment.

“Two men, aged 48 and 59, have been arrested by Detectives from Legacy Investigation Branch under the Terrorism Act on suspicion of involvement in the murder of Constable Michael Ferguson, who was 21 and from Omagh, and was shot dead by the Provisional IRA whilst on duty in Shipquay Street in Derry/Londonderry at around 2pm on Saturday 23 January 1993.

“The 62 year old man will also be questioned by Legacy Investigation Branch Detectives as part of the ongoing investigation into Michael’s murder.

“The 59 and 62 year old men will also be questioned by Detectives from Kenova in connection with other historical matters.

“All five men have been taken to the Serious Crime Suite at Musgrave Police Station.”

Read More:

Woman's body found in Portrush

Apology from UK Government 'bare minimum' needed, says Michelle O'Neill

Free period products to be available in NI universities

How to listen to Downtown Country:

Tune into Northern Ireland’s number 1 for Country music, Downtown Country on online, on the Rayo app, your DAB radio, or say ‘Play Downtown Country’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the best Irish and American country music, from Victoria Quinn in the morning, to Big T’s legendary evening Country show.