Four remanded over Lurgan explosive find

Four men have been remanded into custody on Tuesday charged with dissident republican terror offences over an explosives find in Lurgan.

A heavy security presence was put in place both inside and outside of Craigavon Magistrates Court.

Luke O'Neill, 22, from Silverwood Green in Lurgan, Co Armagh, is accused of attempting to murder police officers between 30 August and 2 September this year as well as possession of explosives with intent to endanger life.

Damien Duffy, 46, from Westclare Court in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, Ciaran Magee, 24, from Lake Street in Lurgan, Co Armagh, and Shea Reynolds, 22, from Kilwilke Road, also in Lurgan, are charged with preparation of terrorist acts, namely targeting a former member of the security forces.

Damien Duffy is the brother of prominent republican Colin Duffy.

All four men refused to stand when asked to do so by District Judge Peter King.

They were charged after police discovered a fully improvised explosive device during raids in Lurgan.

The court also heard that a security camera had been discovered overlooking the home of a former member of the security forces.

It was claimed that Mr Reynolds' fingerprints were found on the camera and that his picture was also on an SD card.

Bail was refused for Reynolds on grounds that police believed he may interfere with the case.

A bail application for Mr Magee is expected to be heard next week.

No bail applications were made on behalf of O'Neill or Duffy.

A small crowd outside cheered as the men were led from the courts.