Missing Ardboe terror suspect arrested in Republic of Ireland

Ardboe man Damien McLaughlin has been arrested by detectives from An Garda Siochana after going missing while bailed on charges in connection with the murder of David Black.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Mar 2017, 09:35 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 11:09 BST
Damien McLaughlin was arrested by gardai yesterdayDamien McLaughlin was arrested by gardai yesterday
Damien McLaughlin was arrested by gardai yesterday

The PSNI revealed last night that the terror suspect, for whom a European Arrest Warrant was issued last month, was picked up as part of a joint intelligence-led operation with the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

The 40-year-old is due before a Crown Court this month.

Detective Chief Superintendent Raymond Murray, from PSNI’s Serious Crime Branch, said: "Since his disappearance police have carried out extensive enquiries regarding Mr McLaughlin’s whereabouts.

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"Throughout this time the PSNI has been liaising closely with An Garda Siochana and today’s (Thursday) arrests demonstrate the benefits of joint working between police forces and other national partner agencies.

"As part of the operation a 59-year-old man was also arrested in Donegal and a 47-year-old woman was arrested in Belfast. Damien McLaughlin is scheduled to appear at Dublin’s Central Criminal Court tomorrow.

"The 59-year-old man has been taken to Letterkenny police station and a 47-year-old woman has been taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite for questioning."

The PSNI also said that senior detectives had contacted the Black family today to update them on developments.

"Detectives involved in the case spoke with Mrs Black to inform her of Damien McLaughlin’s arrest," added Detective Chief Superintendent Murray.