The PSNI South Area Commander has confirmed today (January 19) that there was no police service helicopter deployed in the Wattlebridge area on January 14, following claims from dissident Republicans that shots had been fired at a police helicopter.

Chief Superintendent Andy Freeburn explained that a fixed-wing aircraft was deployed to conduct searches on January 14, not a police service helicopter.

He said: "Following extensive enquiries, the PSNI have established that a private helicopter was travelling through the area on Thursday.

“If there is any truth to the claims from dissident Republicans, we believe that this civilian helicopter is the aircraft that they shot at.

"Fortunately, the helicopter did not sustain any damage, and its occupant was unaware of any shots being fired," said Chief Superintendent Freeburn.

This is the latest update from the PSNI on the ongoing security alert in the Newtownbutler area of County Fermanagh.

Police in Fermanagh commenced a search operation last Wednesday, January 13 in response to a report that persons purporting to represent the Continuity IRA (CIRA) left a suspicious device in the Wattlebridge Road area of Newtownbutler.

This report was followed by a further claim from dissident Republicans that they fired shots at a police helicopter in the area on Thursday, January 14.

Chief Superintendent Freeburn continued: “Those involved have shown their absolute disregard for the lives of ordinary people. The fact that this alleged attack was intended for police makes it no less heinous.

"Police officers safeguard our communities every day in the face of this threat and continue to do their utmost to build a safer society.

“We can all show our contempt for such senseless attacks by standing together and working in partnership to find those responsible."

He added: “The CIRA have sought to disrupt our communities a number of times over the past few years, with a booby trap device in Craigavon in July, 2019; an explosive device on the Cavan Road in August, 2019; and an explosive device on a heavy goods vehicle in Lurgan in January, 2020.

"They did not care about the danger they caused to our communities then, nor do they care now.

"All right-thinking people will appreciate the catastrophic affects that a crashed aircraft would have had on the helicopter pilot and residents living in this area. [The CIRA's] recklessness knows no bounds.

“The public will appreciate that we are taking this very seriously and today we have commenced searches, working with our colleagues in An Garda Síochána, to make the area safe and to gather evidence to progress our investigation."

A number of roads are currently closed with traffic diversions in place.

Chief Superintendent Freeburn continued: "We will do our utmost to facilitate local residents and minimise any disruption.

“I am asking everyone to work with us to find those responsible for this attack on our community. If you have information that can assist our investigation, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please contact us immediately at 101."