BB gun sparks security alert

Traffic and shopping were disrupted on Tuesday afternoon as PSNI officers responded to a report of a suspicious object at Woodburn Park.

A PSNI spokesman said the object had been examined by army technical officers who identified it as a BB gun.

Roads were closed during the alert, disrupting traffic and shoppers in the busy retail area.

Following the incident, police issued advice parents to ensure that children are properly advised on the use of BB guns, which are legal to purchase and possess.

“BB guns are not toys and parents should not allow their children to use them in unsupervised situations, particularly where groups of children are playing together or showing off with the guns.

“The guns fire plastic pellets and can cause injury or damage to property is improperly used.

“Young people who have a BB gun - and their parents - must realise that the consequences of misuse. A broken window could be construed as criminal damage and even a minor injury as an assault.”