Men arrested in connection with Derry INLA graffiti photograph released unconditionally

Detectives in Derry City and Strabane CID investigating the criminal activities of the INLA arrested the three men on Wednesday.

The graffiti incident occurred last year.

The men, aged 27, 28 and 30 were arrested following searches at addresses in Strabane and Derry City. All three were arrested under the Terrorism Act and were taken to Musgrave Serious Crime suite for interview.

Detective Inspector Boyd said: “This search and arrest operation is part of an ongoing investigation into the criminality of the INLA in the North West.

"Dismantling this group is a priority for police due to the threat, risk and harm they pose to our communities. The breadth and depth of their criminality has a major impact on our communities in Londonderry and Strabane.

"The INLA claim to be protecting their communities by shooting people they accuse of being involved in crime. In reality, it is they who use violence and intimidation to control and exploit their communities. I condemn the INLA's use of social media to spread the fear of violence they seek to instil in their communities."

On Thursday the PSNI said the men had been released.

"Three men, aged, 27, 28 and 30 who were arrested in Strabane and Derry/Londonderry City by detectives investigating the criminal activities of the INLA, have been released unconditionally," said the PSNI.