Dissident republicans issue threat against 15-year-old Tyrone schoolboy

Mr McAleer said: “Last Monday evening, the PSNI called at the home of a 15-year-old school boy to inform him dissident republicans have issued an unspecified threat against him. They gave no indication of the level of threat, severity or likelihood of it happening.

“I visited the young fellow and his family and they are extremely concerned and have absolutely no idea why he has been singled out in this way.

“It is reprehensible that a child should be singled out in this way and I am calling on whoever issued the threat to lift it immediately.

“The family have sought legal advice but feel very much ‘in limbo’.

“Since the family contacted me, I have spoken to the PSNI at local level but unfortunately this has not provided any useful insight or answers.

“I contacted the office of the Commissioner for Children & Young People who has committed to raising the matter with the PSNI Chief constable.

“I have also filed a complaint with the Police Ombudsman’s office about how PSNI procedures in such instances can leave children feeling particularly vulnerable and isolated. Sinn Féin representatives will also be raising this issue at the Policing Board.

“I am calling on the PSNI to immediately review how they deal with such threats, particularly where they relate to children and young people”