PSNI confirm INLA suspected of involvement in shooting spate

Chief Inspector Alan Hutton confirmed the violent republican groups were all on the PSNI's radar after Sinn Féin councillor Paul Fleming firmly laid the blame at the door of the INLA.

Speaking at Derry City and Strabane District Council's monthly meeting on Thursday, Colr. Fleming said: "Communities aren't stupid. They know that recent shootings have been carried out by the INLA in pursuit of criminality and the extortion of local businesses."

Following Colr. Fleming's disclosure, CI Hutton confirmed the INLA where indeed suspected of involvement.

He said:/"Over the recent months we have seen several paramilitary style shootings within the Derry City and Strabane district.

"These brutal and horrific attacks are yet another example of how criminal groups seek to control communities through fear and violence.

"Often nobody will claim responsibility for carrying out these acts but Police are following a number of lines of enquiry in relation to them.

"This includes investigating groups such as the NIRA, ONH and the INLA in connection with these attacks.

"We will continue to work with our partners to tackle issues of violence, paramilitarism and organised criminality.

"It is essential that law enforcement, government and voluntary agencies, public bodies and others come together to help build safer, more confident communities.

"We remain resolute in our commitment to identifying those responsible for such vile criminality but also need communities to work with us.

"We need people to come forward with information to give us the best chance of stopping this activity.

"Police can be contacted on 101 or for those who may prefer to give their information anonymously, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111."