Anger after children ‘terrified’ by ‘lorry loads of armed men’

Children were ‘terrified’ by the presence of British military personnel in Co Derry last week, it has been claimed.

Sinn Fein Cll Brenda Chivers was speaking after reservists from 38 (Irish) Brigade took part in training exercises in Drumsurn during the week.

She said aid she received numerous complaints from concerned residents in relation to the army’s presence.

She said: "I have been contacted by concerned locals about troops training around Drumsurn and how this is terrifying their children who have witnessed many lorry loads of armed men,” she said.

“I contacted the PSNI and they simply said they are aware of the training that is going on.

"This is 2015 and it is time for the entire County Derry area to be demilitarised as we have seen in recent years troops training in Magilligan, these actions are seriously hampering the growth of local tourism and simply are not wanted by local people given the history of the British army."

A spokesperson for the 38 (Irish) Brigade said: “Councillor Chivers is correct in her assertions that reservists from 38 (Irish) Brigade were involved in essential training.

“This training ensures that the reservists, drawn from across the community, are ready for any commitments including humanitarian aid – for example reserve deployments to combat embola in West Africa and current intensive training against elephant poaching in Gabon.”