Posters appearing to attempt to recruit for a dissident republican group in Omagh have been condemned.
The posters were attached to posts within the vicinity of Omagh Leisureplex this week, just one month after the New IRA attempted to shoot dead senior PSNI officer John Caldwell in the Co Tyrone town.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council have said the posters are in the process of being removed.
READ MORE: NI terror threat level severe as "dissidents desperate for a kill"
UUP councillor for Omagh town, Matthew Bell, condemned the posters and said the local community does not want to be ‘dragged back’.
“I have been made aware of stickers encouraging people to join a paramilitary group appearing across Omagh. These stickers have been seen on Council property, namely the Omagh leisure centre,” Cllr Bell said.
“Recently Omagh has experienced the shock of the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell on the 22nd of February.
“Following the attempted murder, a rally was held in Omagh to demonstrate our town's disgust with this crime. I wish to repeat the message which was clear at the rally. There is no going back. Our community does not want to be dragged back in time to the troubles”.
“I have reported the stickers to Council officials and requested that all Council owned property across Fermanagh and Omagh District Council are checked for these stickers and removed. I also have reported them to the PSNI to be investigated.
“I would at this stage like to pay tribute to the PSNI for all their work to keep our community safe and thank them for their swift action following the recent shooting".
A council spokesperson said it has been made aware of the posters at the leisure centre.
“The Council has been notified that stickers have been posted at one of its sites,” the spokesperson said. “These are in the process of being removed and other sites inspected.”
READ NEXT:
John Caldwell: Senior PSNI officer’s condition update one month after being shot by New IRA
- 'Attack made me reconsider my career' says PSNI officer as assaults reach five year high
- PSNI officers bitten, punched and blood spat in their faces in "nasty" hospital assault
- PSNI officers 'attacked' while giving CPR to unconscious man
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
