Three men were arrested this morning as part of the proactive policing operation
Two further arrests have been made in connection to a model of a mosque being placed on a bonfire in Co Tyrone.
Detectives in Mid Ulster investigating the “hate display” placed on a bonfire in Moygashel in July have arrested two men on Tuesday afternoon.
Police are understood to have conducted searches at a number of properties in the village this morning which has resulted in the first three arrests.
In an updated this evening, a PSNI spokesperson said: “Three men aged 27, 38 and 51 were arrested this morning as part of the proactive policing operation.
“Additionally, two men aged 74 and 58 were also arrested this afternoon in connection with the same investigation.
“All five men remain in custody at this time as the investigation into the placing of the offensive materials onto the bonfire continues.”
The five arrests come after another man was charged in relation to the incident last month.
This morning Mid Ulster District Commander Superintendent Peter Stevenson said: “A number of properties in the Moygashel area were searched and the men, aged 27, 38 and 51, were detained on suspicion of offences under Article 9 of the Public Order Order 1987.
“All three are currently in police custody. The investigation into the placing of the offensive materials onto the bonfire continues.”
Speaking at the time, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn described the bonfire display a “sickening and cowardly act of intimidation”.
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