The ex-UDR man, who has been a civilian for almost ten years, was told by the PSNI of a high threat against him from the Continuity IRA.

A police guard was put on his home overnight at the weekend, but the former sergeant was advised to get out of the province.

The 'MAIL' understands police have intelligence of a threat but are not clear on which of two neighbouring homes it relates.

The DUP said it was aware of a "very high threat" in north Armagh which represented an escalation of the campaign by dissident groups in targeting retired security forces personnel.

Upper Bann MP David Simpson said: “This shows there are still people and groups out there who are committed to visiting violence upon society.

“I would condemn this despicable threat without reservation. I would also call upon everyone in any position of responsibility to come out now and stand together against this kind of terrorist threat.”

“These dissident groups have suffered a number of reversals in recent times, but still pose a threat and I would call upon anyone with any evidence to take it to the PSNI.”

Jeffrey Donaldson said the threat has also spread to prison service staff.

The Lagan Valley MP said a number of people have recently been forced to move under the Special Purchase of Evacuated Dwellings (SPED) scheme.

A police spokeswoman said they could make no comment on the security of individuals, but the incidents follow warnings from Chief Constable Hugh Orde about dissident republican activity. At one stage Lurgan was said to have the highest level of threat from dissidents in the province.

Police have recorded a number of successes against the dissidents around Lurgan with major explosives and arms finds.

A bomb making factory was uncovered during a raid in the Antrim Road area of the town in April 2006.

Police also uncovered 400lbs of homemade explosives in the Monbrief area in August last year.