Armed men mount illegal roadblock in Meigh

By Bronagh Murphy

An illegal roadblock that was set up and manned by armed men in Meigh on Friday evening is being investigated.

Police say a mobile patrol observed the men stopping vehicles in the area.  It’s alleged the men were handing out leaflets to motorists asking people not to cooperate with the PSNI and Gardai.

Sinn Féin councillor for the area, Packie McDonald, condemned the incident and said it ‘would be laughable if it was not so potentially dangerous.’

“This is one of a number of small groups who have neither a political or military strategy and no support from the community.  Their sole aim seems to be to undermine the peace process,” Mr McDonald said.”The stunt on Friday evening was as stupid as it was pointless and should this group continue their activities, it will lead to tragedy which was almost the case in this incident.”

SDLP MLA Dominic Bradley described the incident as ‘sinister and unwelcome’.

“This is an unwelcome development and harks back to a time which most people here have moved on from and want to leave firmly in the past,” he said.

“I am confident that people in the area will not allow this type of activity which was never welcome, to deter them from moving forward into a better future.

“I would ask anyone who has any information regarding this incident to convey it to the police without delay.”