Man arrested in Kilkeel following alleged threatening phone calls to two local councillors
A man has been arrested in the Kilkeel area on suspicion of three counts of ‘threatening communications’ under the Online Safety Act 2023.
The 36-year old was detained earlier today (7th May 2026) by Newry, Mourne and Down CID detectives investigating threatening telephone calls made to two local councillors in December 2025 and in February of this year respectively.
Chief Inspector Adam Ruston said: “It is a worrying reality that elected representatives are routinely the subject of abuse, threats and other criminality.
“This is wholly unacceptable and we will robustly investigate any offences reported to us.
“We will also continue to do all we can to ensure that all of our politicians are supported and that they can undertake their role free from fear and intimidation.”
The arrested man remains in custody this afternoon.
(Note: The arrest is not related to a separate investigation by PSNI Terrorism Investigation Unit and Local Policing into an online video appearing to show masked and armed men which circulated on social media last year.)
POLICE UPDATE: 17.03pm. 7th May 2026.
Detectives from Newry Mourne and Down CID, investigating threatening telephone calls made to two local councillors in December 2025 and in February of this year respectively, have charged a 36 year-old man with three counts of ‘threatening communications’ under the Online Safety Act 2023.
He is due to appear at Newry Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 3rd June. As is normal procedure all charges are reviewed by the PPS.
