Dissident attacks are likely to happen during G8 summit, says security chief

DISSIDENT attacks are likely to occur in Northern Ireland during the G8 summit despite the presence of thousands of extra police officers, the commander of the security operation said.

Assistant Chief Constable Alistair Finlay, from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), said such attacks are part of the “normal backdrop” of life in the region. But he said he expects any incidents will take place away from the venue in Fermanagh and other key areas.

Mr Finlay said: “I’ve got no reason to say that dissidents won’t do something during that period of time. This is the normal backdrop. This has been the backdrop, the sad reality of Northern Ireland over quite a period of time.

“There

is

nothing

to suggest that the rhythm of that will be disrupted. It would be great if it did, and maybe the policing operat i on, which is in par t designed to do that, will prevent any of that happen- ing during the G8. But we would say people shouldn’t be surprised if there are incidents.”

The New IRA and ONH (Oglaigh na hEireann) are currently the most active dissident groups, he said, which have “real capacity and capability”.

The operation, the biggest in PSNI’s history, will see 3600 officers drafted in from forces across Great Britain. THE Duke of Cambridge yesterday called on the public to continue their support of injured British servicemen and women. Prince William made the heartfelt plea as he and Prince Harry officially opened four Help for Heroes Recovery centres during a visit to Tedworth House in Tidworth, Wiltshire.