The men were arrested under the Terrorism Act on Sunday.
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have arrested two men as part of ongoing investigations into the attempted murder of police officers in Craigavon and Newtownbutler.
The two men – aged 39 and 35 – were arrested under the Terrorism Act on Sunday morning, 25 August.
A PSNI statement, issued on Sunday evening, reads:
“Detectives from the PSNI’s Terrorism Investigation Unit have this morning arrested two men aged 39 and 35 years under the Terrorism Act.
“Both men were arrested following searches in the Lurgan and Craigavon areas as part of the ongoing investigations into the attempted murder of police officers at the Tullygally Road area of Craigavon on Friday 26 July and the attempted murder of police officers and army personnel at the Wattlebridge Road area of Newtonbutler on Monday 19 August.”
The men have been taken to the Musgrave Serious Crime Suite for questioning.
Speaking in relation to the Wattlebridge Road incident earlier this week, PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin said the detonation of an explosive device was a “deliberate” attempt to murder police and anti-terrorism officers attending the scene.
No injuries were sustained as a result of the explosion.
“While this investigation is at a very early stage, I am of the firm belief this was a deliberate attempt to lure police and ATO colleagues into the area to murder them,” said Martin.
“Although this device was intended to kill police and army personnel the fact that it was placed on a main road the result could well have been devastating for anyone in the immediate vicinity.
“This attack was indiscriminate and reckless and, whilst there is no doubt in my mind that police responding to this call were the target, the reality is that anyone could have been caught up in the explosion.
“We are extremely fortunate that the actions of officers who were first on scene meant that there was not serious injury or death. I wish to acknowledge and commend the bravery and commitment of those officers and army personnel at the scene of this attack.”
Investigations are ongoing.
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