SDLP MLA and Policing Board member, Mark H Durkan has condemned the actions of a dissident republican group who has warned that the families of police officers in Northern Ireland are considered targets.

It follows threats made by Arm na Poblachta (ANP) in a statement to the Irish News.

The Foyle MLA commented:

“This is absolutely reprehensible. The purpose of this chilling threat issued by faceless thugs is to instil fear within our society. The notion that not only police officers will be targeted for simply doing their job but also their family members, is appalling. Sadly, officers’ families have lived under threat for many years here.

“I cannot begin to imagine the stress of saying goodbye to your partner every morning as they head to work, worried about the dangers of what their day will entail or if they will return home that evening. These families are already living with anxiety on a daily basis and now have the added stress of also being a target. The impact this will have on people and how they live their lives cannot be underestimated. It’s sickening.

“In the face of threats and attacks people everywhere have stood in solidarity with police officers, now people must stand in solidarity with their families in rejecting this threat.

“No one should be threatened in their homes, schools, workplaces, playing sports, places of faith, out shopping or anywhere else. That is what this threat means - that was the truth of terror in the past and it has no place in the Ireland of today.”