Kelly calling for clarity on role of army

SDLP Policing Board Member and Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly has called for clarity on the involvement of army personnel in searches in Lurgan and across Northern Ireland.

Mrs Kelly said: “Over the last number of weeks there has been a notable increase in cases where British Army personnel have been involved in searches of properties in communities across the North.

“Only last month we saw one such incident in Lurgan following security operations.

“The ongoing security threat as a result of the actions of violent dissident republicans has led to this difficult situation.

“Campaigns of violence in the past resulted in army personnel on the streets of the North and the current spate of violent attacks appears, unfortunately, to be keeping an army presence in our communities.

“I have written to the Chief Constable about this matter.

“It’s important that we receive clarity on who is responsible for these operations and that the primacy of the Policing Board is maintained.