Police probe 'illegal checkpoint' in County Down

Police have confirmed that they are investigating reports that armed men carried out an illegal checkpoint in County Down last Friday.

Local politicians have claimed that four masked men with guns were seen on the Kilbroney Road between Hilltown and Rostrevor.

DUP South Down MLA Jim Wells has blamed dissident republicans.

He said his constituents were demanding an increased police presence in the area to deter any similar incidents.

He added: "The entire community wants to see the dissident republican threat being completely stamped out."