Bomb alert in Lurgan ends as '˜old device' made safe

The security alert in Windsor Avenue, Lurgan, has now ended.
Security alert in LurganSecurity alert in Lurgan
Security alert in Lurgan

What was described as a very old device, no longer capable of functioning, was discovered by electrical workers.

The alert has been condemned by politicians of all shades, who hit out over the distress caused to people living in the area.

Chief Inspector Jon Burrows said: “ATO attended the report of a suspicious object and carried out a controlled explosion at approximately 3.10pm. The object appears to have been a very old device which was no longer capable of functioning but was made safe as a precaution.”

Windsor Avenue has now reopened and all evacuated residents are now able to return to their homes.

Upper Bann MP David Simpson said: “A number of homes have been evacuated as a result of this device, which I am told may be up to twenty years old and incomplete. Regardless of this however, it has been necessary for Army Technical Officers to deal with it and this has caused considerable disruption to people in the area.

“This also demonstrates the longer-term impact that terrorists can have. This device, which obviously had the initial intent of death and disruption has been uncovered so many years later.”

Local MLA Carla Lockhart added, “It is obviously distressing for local people when any kind of device is discovered in their area. I would congratulate the police and the Army Technical Officers for their swift action to ensure the safety of the public.”

Sinn Féin MLA Catherine Seeley also hit out: “Those responsible for this disruption do not represent any significant part of our community.

“A number of families have been inconvenienced by having their homes evacuated.

“I would appeal to those responsible to cease these needless activities at once. There is no place for this in Lurgan.

“The residents here should not have to endure this type of incident.”

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