Four remanded in custody on charges linked to discovery of explosive device

A brother of prominent Lurgan republican Colin Duffy was one of four men who appeared in court following the discovery of an explosive device in the Co Armagh town.

All four – who refused to stand in court at Craigavon this morning – face a variety of charges linked to dissident republican activity.

Forty-six-year-old Damien Duffy, of Westclare Court, Dungannon, is charged with targeting a former security forces member.

Facing the same charge are Lurgan men Ciaran Magee (24), of Lake Street, and 22-year-old Shea Reynolds, Kilwilke Road.

Luke O’Neill, also 22 and of Silverwood Green, Lurgan, was charged with attempting to murder police officers between August 30 and September 2. He is also charged with possessing explosives with intent to endanger life.

There was a heavy police presence both inside and outside the courthouse.

Supporters cheered and applauded as the four accused were led away after being remanded in custody.

Police announced yesterday that the four had been charged while they put on show an explosive device – an armour-piercing mortar – which was recovered from a derelict house in Lurgan last week.

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