Police chief warns of rising right-wing extremism threat in Northern Ireland

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 17:11 · Archive

Northern Ireland's police chief says officers are tackling an increasing threat from right-wing extremism in the region.

Jon Boutcher, the PSNI chief, has said officers are working tirelessly to combat what he described as an increasing threat from right-wing extremism in Northern Ireland. He was commenting after 17 improvised explosive devices and two detonators were recovered last week in an operation linked to what the PSNI said was 'extreme right-wing terrorism'. A man was arrested and later charged in connection with searches on the Shankill Road and Edwina Street.

Speaking before the Northern Ireland Policing Board on Thursday, Mr Boutcher said the increase in extreme right-wing activity is linked to geopolitics. 'We have seen over a number of years now – and it's linked to the geopolitics that we're experiencing – an increase in extreme right-wing activity,' he told reporters. He said the recent operation demonstrated the police response: 'The recent activity, and the recent arrest and recovery of those incredibly dangerous items, demonstrates that's what we're doing.'

Mr Boutcher said the police are working with An Garda Síochána and UK police forces, including the National Counter Terrorism network, to address the threats. He noted that the increase in extreme right-wing activity is being seen across the island of Ireland and across the United Kingdom. Amnesty International has urged the police to outline the full extent of the threat posed by right-wing extremists in Northern Ireland.

How it is being reported

• Officers working tirelessly to combat right-wing extremism threat, says BoutcherNorthern Ireland’s police chief has said his officers are working tirelessly to combat what he described as the increasing threat posed by right-wing extremism in the region.News Letter · 5 Nov, 21:06
• Officers working tirelessly to combat right-wing extremism threat, says PSNI chiefJon Boutcher was commenting after 17 improvised explosive devices and two detonators were recovered last weekBelfast Live · 5 Nov, 16:45
• Officers working tirelessly to combat right-wing extremism threat, says BoutcherBelfast Telegraph · 5 Nov, 16:18

In this story: Jon Boutcher · PSNI · Northern Ireland · An Garda Síochána · Shankill Road

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