A gang claiming to represent the Real IRA has allegedly attacked the home of a south Armagh businessman after he refused to give them money.
It is understood the gang asked the man for £25,000 last week.
When he refused, they drove a car into a shed at his property in Jonesborough and set it on fire.
A police spokesperson said detectives in Newry are investigating an allegation of arson at premises on the Edenappa Road in Jonesborough last Thursday.
Sinn Fein MP for Newry and Armagh Conor Murphy has condemned the incident.
"Once again these so-called dissidents have attacked another member of the community in south Armagh by attempting to burn his property to the ground", he said.
"My own home was also attacked in a similar incident a number of months ago.
Mr Murphy said the latest attack took place after threats and attempted intimidation by a number of individuals.
"Those responsible have tried to intimidate a man and his family in order to line their own pockets.
"This behaviour is intolerable and it must end."
© UTV News