It's been claimed that an undercover British security force operative called to the paramilitary figure's home while he was out.

Neighbours reported seeing a masked man with a wig and a peaked cap at the dissident republican's front door on Saturday night.

A spokesman for the 32 County Sovereignty Movement told the 'Journal' last night: "When the neighbours opened the door, the man became anxious and turned away. He then started rummaging with something in his hand which was concealed under his coat.

"He quickly moved to the getaway car which had done a u-turn while he was at the door. He got in and the car sped off. We're putting it down to an assassination attempt by the British forces. We have all stepped up our security in light of what has happened."

He added that the incident ties in with reports of undercover British army activity in East Tyrone in recent weeks involving incidents in which similar estate cars were seen in suspicious circumstances near the homes of dissident republicans.

Pledge

The Real IRA recently pledged to step up attacks on the PSNI. The organisation claimed responsibility for the shootings in November of off-duty Derry policeman Jim Doherty and an officer in Dungannon in November.