POLICE IN NORTHERN Ireland have arrested five men in connection with the investigation into the murder of PSNI officer Ronan Kerr in April.

Kerr was killed when a device exploded beneath his car outside his home in Omagh.

Up to 200 PSNI staff, including officers from the serious crime branch, are involved in a major operation this morning and seven searches are underway at different locations including Ballyronan in Co Derry and Toome in Co Antrim.

The five men arrested are aged between 22 and 46 and all were arrested under the Terrorism Act.

During today’s searches, officers seized mobile phones, computers, clothing and vehicles for forensic examination.

Crimestoppers UK, an independent charity, is offering a reward of £50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Kerr’s murder.

Read: ‘Real IRA’ group threatens to kill more PSNI officers >

Read: Ronan Kerr’s family criticise his killers for attacking an ‘Irish patriot’ >

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