Arsonists torch car of policing board teacher

Arsonists set fire to a car owned by a Northern Ireland policing representative today.

Arsonists set fire to a car owned by a Northern Ireland policing representative today.

It happened as a second police board member resigned over terrorist threats.

Teresa Rooney stood down amid fears her family were in danger from republicans behind an intimidation campaign in Cookstown, Co Tyrone.

As her resignation was confirmed, security sources confirmed teacher Arthur McGarrigle`s car was destroyed in a blaze outside a school in Strabane. Co Tyrone.

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Both Mrs Rooney and Mr McGarrigle were appointed as independent members of the new District Policing Partnerships set up to monitor local police performance.

Dissident republicans plotting to wreck the peace process have launched a series of death threats and attacks on Catholic members of the bodies.

An independent member resigned in Fermanagh last week after being warned he would be killed.

Mrs Rooney, 52, a primary school dinner supervisor, told board chairman Patsy McGlone of her decision yesterday.

He said: "This is all part of the same tactic - abide by our wish or else. It`s absolute fascism."

Oversight Commissioner Tom Constantine, who is monitoring police reforms in Northern Ireland, has warned that the whole process is now under major threat from terrorists targeting the DPPs.

Mr McGarrigle later said he would be considering his position on the board following the attack on his car.

He said he had four children aged from eight to 20.

"I came back to Strabane 30-odd years ago to teach in this school and I like Strabane, I think it`s a lovely place to live.

"But the only way it will be a lovely place to live is if we get proper secure and safe policing. Serving on the DPP I think will go some way towards that," he said.

PA