A video that circulated recently on social media showed a group of masked and armed men threatening a number of elected representativesA group calling itself the New Republican Movement released a video online threatening MLAs and councillors

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has launched a criminal investigation after being made aware of threats made towards elected representatives in a number of areas.

The threats were made to elected officials in Newry, Mourne and Down.

A video that circulated recently on social media showed a group of masked and armed men, calling themselves the New Republican Movement, threatening a number of elected representatives, Belfast Live reports.

Speaking about the video, District Commander Superintendent Lynne Corbett said: “It is completely unacceptable that anyone should face such threats and intimidation for carrying out the duties of the office to which they have been democratically elected. We have commenced an investigation to identify those responsible.

“Police in Newry, Mourne and Down will continue engaging closely with our local elected representatives and will do all we can to ensure they feel supported and safe in our communities, and that they can undertake their role free from intimidation.”

There has been widespread condemnation of the menacing messages featured in the video, with a number of local MPs and MLAs strongly criticising those responsible.

Sinn Fein MP Daire Hughes said: “The sinister threats issued by faceless thugs against elected members of Newry, Mourne and Down are an attack on democracy and on the mandate each of us as elected members receives from the public.

“Let me be crystal clear: these faceless individuals represent no one and they will not deter me or my party colleagues from carrying out our work, every day, representing our constituents.

“Despite bombs planted at our offices and chilling threats made through social media, Sinn Féin will continue to stand up for our people.

“I send solidarity to each of my elected colleagues across our constituencies. Let us stand as one against these deluded individuals.”

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