Police have arrested a man as part of an investigation into threatening phone calls made to two Newry councillors, detectives have confirmed.
The 36-year-old was detained in the Kilkeel area earlier today (Thursday) by detectives from Newry, Mourne and Down CID. He was arrested on suspicion of three counts of “threatening communications” under the Online Safety Act 2023.
The alleged offences relate to threatening telephone calls made to two local councillors in December 2025 and in February of this year.
Chief Inspector Adam Ruston said: “It is a worrying reality that elected representatives are routinely the subject of abuse, threats and other criminality. This is wholly unacceptable and we will robustly investigate any offences reported to us.
“We will also continue to do all we can to ensure that all of our politicians are supported and that they can undertake their role free from fear and intimidation.”
The arrested man remains in custody this afternoon.
Police have stated that this arrest is not connected to a separate PSNI Terrorism Investigation Unit and Local Policing inquiry into an online video, which appeared to show masked and armed men and circulated on social media last year.
