UP TO 20 people, including an Independent TD, have been involved in a stand-off with two security men in Bree. The incident happened after complaints were made that the men were trespassing on a private lane and were stopping and questioning other people using it.

The dispute arose on Thursday after security men, working on behalf of receivers appointed by a bank, moved onto the lane at Park, Bree to oversee the premises of Tom Heffernan who is in discussions with the bank. It is understood that the premises in question had been watched over by security since Tuesday last.

The problem arose after two neighbours, Jim Dunne and David Jacob, pointed out that the security men were parked on private property as the lane belonged to them and the third man simply used it for access.

A large group made its way to the lane on Thursday evening to demand, in the presence of Garda Sgt. Tom Murphy, that the security team move to the end of the private laneway. The stand-off lasted for over an hour before the men eventually agreed and moved both of their cars to the end of the lane.

[Full story in this week's Echo]