Eleven serving and former police officers in Northern Ireland have been forced from their homes by dissident republican threats in the last year, it was revealed today.
Another officer changed address after being targeted by loyalists and two prison guards were also affected.
Chief constable Sir Hugh Orde has warned the danger from renegades is at its highest level for five years.
A Police Federation spokesman, who represents rank and file officers, said: “There is a tremendous threat out there. It is extremely serious and it means that the officer’s life and that of his family is at immediate risk.”
Republican splinter groups have been behind five murder bids on police officers since Sinn Féin signed up to support the service last year.
They have also been blamed for four civilian killings, the most recent the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Emmett Shiels in the Creggan area of Derry last week.
The latest information followed a Westminster question from David Simpson, DUP Upper Bann MP.
The Federation said house moves under duress caused upheaval and disruption to members and their families, with schooling and other domestic arrangements suffering.
“We are extremely concerned and are urging all officers not to be complacent about their security,” he added.
At the Policing Board yesterday a senior police officer said the transformed attitude to the police within republican neighbourhoods is fatally undermining dissident attempts to launch a sustained campaign of terror.
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Peter Sheridan said there was a huge wind of change blowing through areas where the police were once met with open hostility and that would ultimately ensure the defeat of disaffected republicans.
However, the Continuity IRA last month detonated a roadside bomb in County Fermanagh, slightly injuring two policemen.
Officers have also been targeted for attack in Tyrone, Derry and Dungannon in recent months.
PA