Threat against Drumbeg family

A mother of two boys one a teenager and the other in his 20s said she has been at her "wits' end" after visiting Lurgan police station where she was handed notices informing her of death threats on her sons.

The notices said there was “uncorroborated information” from an “unknown dissident republican group” and her sons had been given 24 hours “to get out”.

The notices said an attack may "take the form of a shooting" if the two young men did not comply with the threat.

The boys’ mother said she was sure the threat had come from the CIRA: "I've been told my sons are under threat to leave because they have been drug dealing.

"When I heard that I laughed, my sons are not involved in drug dealing, if they are they are the poorest drug dealers about."

She went on: "One of the boys has made mistakes and been an idiot, but I'm talking about when he was 13 or 14 - he is such a lovable man and caring father.

"He has just left rehab and is determined to get on and build himself a life. I'll be honest he has done drugs but that's it.

"His brother is such a quiet individual, he is working hard in the tech to eventually be able to open up his own business.

"If they were dealing in drugs I would be telling them to mosey on myself."

The woman said she was not leaving her home despite the threats.

"I'm at my wits' end, I have heard from people that the threat is real and the boys have to leave Ireland - not just Craigavon.

She went on: "Nobody will drive me from my home, I have worked till I'm sick to afford this house and I won't be going anywhere."

Her son said he was not afraid, he added: "They can shoot me and I will take it, but I have done nothing and will be going nowhere."