Co Derry councillor freed by PSNI questions police methods

A COUNTY DERRY Sinn Féin councillor released without charge says he is angry, baffled and “disappointed” by his arrest on Tuesday by the PSNI in a blaze of publicity after the former Mayor of Limavady Borough Council twice told them he’d make himself available for questioning.

Seán McGlinchey was arrested in Dungiven on Tuesday by officers “investigating paramilitary activity”.

Seven men have been arrested so far – six of them have now been released unconditionally. One of the men was released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service.

The local Sinn Féin councillor has worked with the police on issues such as community safety, parading and delivering an effective local police service, adding to his frustration.

Speaking after his release on Wednesday, Councillor Seán McGlinchey said he had made contact with the local PSNI on Monday and made it clear that he was prepared to meet them as his name had been mentioned in interviews.

“Elements within the PSNI disregarded this completely and gone down the route of an early-morning, high-profile arrest,” he said.

“The fact this was the path that was followed and I was released unconditionally within hours highlights this is poor policing in the extreme.

“There are huge questions surrounding the usage of police resources given the arrests over the past week and all released unconditionally.

“This is a matter I will be pursuing through the Policing and Community Safety Partnership, the Policing Board and the Police Ombudsman.

“Having said that, I have worked hard over the past number of years to develop effective policing with the community. I will not be deflected from this work.”