'RAAD has dissident links'

RAAD have been responsible for around 20 attacks on people they claimed to have been involved in drug peddling in the North West area and have carried out attacks in Londonderry, Strabane and Dungiven.

The group said when it emerged that it had no ideological affiliation or connection to other armed republican groups. However, reports have suggested that RAAD had been closely involved with the INLA and its ranks contained some former members of the Provisional IRA.

Whilst the INLA decommissioned its arsenal in October 2009, the IMC said that it had no reason to change its view that the grouping was still capable of criminal violence. The IMC also noted that just three days before its announcement of decommissioning members of the INLA had been "instrumental" in the organisation of the firing of shots over the coffin of a former member (John Brady) who had since moved to the Real IRA in Strabane.

Of RAAD the IMC report stated: "Its stated aim is to 'clean up' (not our term) local communities. RAAD remained active and was, we believe, responsible for at least seven shootings during this period.

"Whilst its activities are not properly described as 'terrorist' this vigilante group through its gross abuses of human rights, certainly does spread terror in those parts of the community where it operates and it undermines proper local policing. It has former republican terrorist involvement as well as dissident associations."

A spokeswoman for the PSNI in Londonderry told the Sentinel: "We have previously stated that there is only one legitimate policing service in Northern Ireland. The PSNI will continue to investigate all criminal matters and act on the information provided to us by the public. There is no room and little support for vigilantism within our communities. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity of any nature should contact local police who will act accordingly."