Edinburgh property searched as part of probe into New IRA

Police have searched a property in Edinburgh as part of an investigation into dissident republican group the New IRA.

Police Scotland obtained a warrant to search a property in the Blackhall area of the capital.

The search supported Operation Arbacia, which is being carried out by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Detective Chief Superintendent Philip Chapman, head of Police Scotland’s Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit, said: “I can confirm that Police Scotland officers carried out a search under warrant of a property in the Blackhall area of Edinburgh earlier today to support the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Operation Arbacia.

“This was a contained operation to support the investigation by PSNI colleagues and I would like to reassure the public that there was no threat to the wider community.”

A 62-year-old man was arrested at Heathrow Airport and then taken to Belfast for questioning as part of the investigation.

The man lives in Scotland and was detained using anti-terrorism powers.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Barbara Gray said: “Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Terrorism Investigation Unit have today arrested a 62-year-old man at Heathrow Airport under the Terrorism Act as part of Operation Arbacia, an ongoing investigation into the activities of the New IRA.”

“Following the arrest, officers from Police Scotland are currently searching a property in the Blackhall area of Edinburgh.”

A total of 10 people have been apprehended during the police’s operation against the dissident republican organisation.

Two were charged and appeared in court on Saturday morning.

The New IRA is opposed to the peace process and has carried out many attacks on police.

There has been a revived security forces focus on the activities of the organisation since the death of journalist Lyra McKee, shot last year while she observed a riot.