DETECTIVES from the PSN’s North West based Terrorist Investigation Unit are questioning 15 men this evening who were arrested following the funeral today of murdered dissident republican Michael Barr.
Mr Barr, 34, was killed in the Sunset House pub in Dublin on April 25 in a gangland style execution.
Hundreds attended his funeral Mass in Strabane earlier today.
The suspects were arrested under section 41 of the Terrorism Act and are being questioned a the serious crime suite in Belfast about alleged membership of the dissident republican group, widely referred to as the New IRA.
Barr was a well known member of the New IRA.
Around a dozen men in paramilitary style uniform, berets, gloves and dark glasses flanked the cortege on its way to church.
A number of cars have also been taken by police as part of their inquires.
PSNI Spt Mark McEwan said: “What we saw this morning on the streets of Strabane and in the local area is what appears, for all intents and purposes, to be a paramilitary display.
“As a result of that we have arrested 15 men in connection with suspected terrorist-related offences.
“The scenes that we have seen today are not unique, but the public do expect us to act in these cases,” he added.
The men can be held for two days before being charged or released.
Detectives can also apply to a judge for an extension to their detention.