Lurgan: viable device is found after major security alert
The incident was sparked after a delivery driver was forced at gun-point to drive his car to the town police station
Last updated 9 hours ago
Around 100 homes were evacuated in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday) because of a major security alert in Co Armagh.
Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said a viable device had been found.
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the incident was sparked after a delivery driver in the Kilwilkie area of Lurgan was forced at gunpoint to drive his vehicle to the town police station.
He said the force’s specialist terrorism unit was leading the investigation
The white Audi at the centre of the alert was abandoned at Church Place close to the police station.
This afternoon ACC Henderson provided an update about the attack.
He said: “At approximately 10.30pm last night a fast food delivery driver was making a delivery in Deramore Drive in the Kilwilkie area of Lurgan when he was hijacked by two masked men, one of whom was armed with a pistol.
“The man placed an object in the boot of his white Audi A4 car, and the driver was ordered to drive it to Lurgan police station or he would be killed. The car was driven to the station, where the driver escaped and bravely ran to security staff telling them that there was a bomb in the car, a horrific and terrible ordeal for him.
“A significant policing operation has been put in place overnight, with around 100 homes in the area being evacuated and residents moved to the local rest centre at Lurgan Town Hall.”
He added: “Ammunition Technical officers carried out a controlled explosion to make the vehicle safe, and we now know that this was a crude but viable improvised explosive device. As unsophisticated as it was, it posed a significant risk to the life of the terrified delivery driver, our security staff and the local community.”
Earlier, local DUP MP Carla Lockhart said the Army Bomb Disposal unit had carried out a controlled explosion.
Posting on her social media platforms, she said: "Around 100 homes evacuated and Lurgan Town Hall will remain open."
It is understood a suspicious vehicle, believed to have been hijacked, was located in the area.
Ms Lockhart said: “I would urge everyone to follow the advice of the PSNI and avoid the area.
“I recognise the significant disruption this will cause to local residents, businesses and those travelling through the town, but these measures are necessary to ensure the safety of all.
“I welcome the steps taken to provide support for those affected, including the opening of Lurgan Town Hall for anyone who has been evacuated.”
Meanwhile, UUP MLA Doug Beattie said the incident bore "the hallmarks of a proxy-bomb style attack."
"This is an escalation in what is likely down to Republican terrorists." he added.
Meanwhile, Justice Minister, Naomi Long described the incident as "shameful."
"There is absolutely no place for this utterly reckless and abhorrent behaviour.
"I would like to commend the police officers who responded quickly and professionally to this incident and my thoughts are also with all those who have been caught up by this despicable attack."
Local Sinn Fein MLA John O’Dowd said: “This has caused massive disruption to local families and businesses.
“I hope the town can return to normal as quickly as possible.
“No one wants to return to such scenes and we await the outcome of investigations into the vehicle.
“I want to thank all those who have assisted the families impacted and offered shelter.”
In a statement, the PSNI said: "Road users are asked to avoid a number of roads in Lurgan due to an ongoing security alert in the Church Place area this morning, Tuesday 31st March.
Church Place, Church Walk and Wellington Street are currently closed to traffic, as are sections of Market Street, William Street and North Street.
"Please seek alternative routes."