PIRA denies making threats against missing man’s father

The Provisional IRA has denied any involvement in a written threat delivered to the father of an alleged PSNI informer who disappeared from his Co Armagh home in May.

In a statement released today, the Provisional IRA said police claims that it was threatening action against Mark O’Connor were “totally false”.

It also repeated its denial of involvement in the disappearance of Gareth O’Connor last May.

Mr O’Connor, who had been charged with membership of the Real IRA, hasn’t been seen since travelling to sign on at Dundalk Garda Station as part of his remand conditions.

The O’Connor family has accused the Provisional IRA of “disappearing” the 24-year-old.

In court two weeks ago, a lawyer for one of four people accused of possessing a rocket-launcher claimed his client was set up by Mr O’Connor, who he accused of being a PSNI agent.