This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7038967.stm

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Nine arrests in dissident search Police attacked in dissident raid
(about 14 hours later)
A gun and ammunition have been found and nine men arrested in Craigavon in a police operation targeting dissident republican activity. Police carrying out searches in a crackdown on republican dissidents in Craigavon have come under attack.
Searches are still going on in the Brownlow area. There were sporadic stoning and petrol bomb attacks by youths and police foiled bids to hijack a lorry and bus.There are no reports of injuries.
Dozens of officers began searching houses and fields in several parts of Craigavon close to Lurgan at about 0530 BST on Thursday. Police are also investigating reports of an attempt to hijack a car.
The Army's bomb squad is also involved and is believed to be searching for explosives and bomb-making equipment. A number of roads are closed and motorists are advised to avoid the Meadowbank and Drumbeg areas to avoid any possible delays.
It is believed the operation is targeting the Continuity IRA. Nine people were arrested following the searches and firearms and ammunition recovered. The operation followed growing security force concern at the increasing technical ability of dissident groups.
Dozens of officers and sniffer dogs searched houses and fields in several parts of Craigavon, close to Lurgan, at about 0530 BST on Thursday.
A gun and ammunition were found, and Army bomb experts examined items found at a number of sites.
The men are being questioned at the serious crime facility at Antrim police station.
Republican dissidents have been active in the north Armagh area for the last few years and have been blamed for a number of failed attacks on the police.Republican dissidents have been active in the north Armagh area for the last few years and have been blamed for a number of failed attacks on the police.
The police searches are likely to last for much of the day. A number of devices have been test-fired, and security sources say some were found to be more advanced than similar devices used by the IRA.
Chief Inspector Pauline Shields apologised for the disruption but said the operation was necessary.
"I can assure local people that we will keep that disruption to a minimum," she said.
"I can also assure them that the operation will not be in place for one minute longer than is necessary."