A Co Tyrone businessman has revealed how dissident republicans threatened to kill his family unless he handed over £50,000.
Pat McDonagh said he has been forced to go into hiding after shots were fired at his Coalisland home last month, narrowly missing his daughters and baby grandchild.
It is understood the businessman has agreed to testify in court against two alleged dissident republicans from Belfast.
"Two shots entered the window of my living room while two shots entered my bedroom, where four of my children and my three-week-old granddaughter were," he said.
"We were terrified, but by the grace of God no-one was seriously hurt.
"I then did what any other father would do in the circumstances and called the police."
Mr McDonagh said he then received a telephone call warning that he would be killed unless he handed over £25,000.
A week later he received a further two calls ordering him to pay £50,000 and threatening that his family would be killed.
"I was really frightened and sought advice and help from solicitors, police, priests and associates from the republican movement," he told the Tyrone Times.
"I had no choice but to get these people, who appeared to be gangsters, locked up like any father would do."
Belfast men Patrick Thomas Crossan (34) of Norfolk Road and Martin Overend (35) from Broadway Tower are currently awaiting trial in connection with attempted extortion, threats to kill and possession of weapons with intent to endanger life.
Both men deny the charges.
However, Mr McDonagh has hit out after graffiti appeared on walls in Coalisland and Dungannon.
"I am innocent to being called a police informer and a drug dealer," he said.
"Let any person who can say different come forward and bring it to who they believe are the proper authorities.
"I am a proud Irish Traveller who has succeeded in business."
Mr McDonagh said the threats to his life and the smear campaign had devastated his family and seriously affected his business interests, as he has to live in hiding.
The threats have been condemned by Coalisland parish priest Fr Patrick Hughes and local politicians.
Sinn Féin's Francie Molloy said: "Obviously we want this issue cleared up so that Mr McDonagh can return home to be with his wife and family.
"If there are any threats to his life then they should be removed immediately."
Independent councillor Jim Canning, who has known Mr McDonagh for 20 years, also called for the threats to be lifted.
"Pat should be allowed to continue on with that business without innuendo from unknown sources," he said.
