Children hurt in dissident bomb attack

The explosion happened at North Street as police investigated reports a bomb had been left at the Model Primary School, on Brownlow Terrace.

It's understood the device had been planted in a bin.

The children - two aged 12 and one just two-years-old - suffered cuts and shock as a hole was blown in a metal fence and they were hit by the debris.

The site of the explosion was a junction where police would have been expected to put up a cordon.

A number of homes had been evacuated in Brownlow Terrace due to the suspect object at the school.

There is a further alert in Kilmaine Street, centred on a builder's yard. A controlled explosion has been carried out by Army Technical Officers.

A local police commander said it was "an absolute miracle" the children were not more seriously injured "by this sickening attack on the most vulnerable members of our community".

See next week's Lurgan Mail for more reports and reaction to this attack.

If you were in the area at the time or know any of the injured contact us on 028 3832 7777 or e-mail [email protected]