Scuffles as 7 held in RUC raids

Seven people were arrested in raids by the Royal Ulster Constabulary in republican areas of Londonderry early yesterday, with scuffles breaking out between police and Sinn Fein supporters, writes David McKittrick.

Sinn Fein said two of those arrested are prominent members of its party; Mary Nelis, a councillor, and an executive member, Dodie McGuinness. During the street tussles a man was arrested and has been charged with disorderly behaviour and assaulting a police officer.

Although the incidents were minor by previous Northern Ireland standards, they represented an unusually bitter clash between police and republicans. Both Mrs Nelis and Mrs McGuinness are members of the Sinn Fein delegation to the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation in Dublin.

Six people were arrested following house searches in Londonderry and the nearby town of Strabane.