'Wanted' suspect arrested in the North

A suspected criminal who’s details were published on a ’wanted list’ by police has been arrested less than 48 hours later, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said today.

On Friday morning Martin McDonagh, aged 27, was among eight men the PSNI said they were seeking as part of Operation Heartbreak – a major drive against burglary in Belfast.

The PSNI issued photographs, names and details of why they wanted the men to be questioned about ongoing inquires into burglaries.

Today the PSNI said McDonagh had been taken into custody for questioning.

Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland said last week their operation had been making an impact – some 109 arrests – but the PSNI now needed community assistance.

He said: “Police have been and will continue to take proactive steps to thwart criminal activity but it is my professional judgment that it is now appropriate and timely to release the photographs as part of a proportionate and focused investigation strategy.

“My request to the public is simple – if you know the whereabouts of any of the people photographed please contact police immediately. We believe they will be able to assist in ongoing investigations and cases.”