Threats drive officers from homes

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Eleven serving and former police officers have been forced from their homes by dissident republican threats in the last year, it has been revealed.

Another police officer moved after being targeted by loyalists. Two prison officers were also affected.

The information came to light through a Parliamentary question tabled by DUP Upper Bann MP David Simpson.

"There is a tremendous threat out there," said a Police Federation spokesman."

"It is extremely serious and it means that the officer's life and that of his family is at immediate risk."

Republican splinter groups have been behind five murder bids on police officers since Sinn Fein signed up to support the service last year.

Bomb

Thes include an incident last month in which the Continuity IRA detonated a roadside bomb in County Fermanagh, slightly injuring two policemen.

Dissident republicans have also been blamed for four civilian killings, including the fatal shooting of Emmett Shiels, 22, in Londonderry last week.