Major ongoing security alert in Lurgan causing widespread disruption with roads closed and homes evacuated
An ongoing security alert at Lurgan police station has closed off much of Lurgan town centre.
Church Place, Church Walk and Wellington Street are currently closed to traffic, as are sections of Market Street, William Street and North Street.
Cordons are in place and people living in the area have been evacuated from their homes as a result of the overnight alert believed to be centred on a suspicious vehicle.
Police have urged road users and the general public to avoid the area.
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart MP condemned those responsible for the “extremely serious” situation, which she described as “reckless and dangerous”.
She said: “The town centre has been completely closed off and is likely to remain so for a significant period of time.
"This will inevitably cause major disruption to the area, and we ask everyone to avoid the vicinity and follow all guidance from authorities.
“This is not something anyone wants to see in our society today. The situation is deeply concerning, and I would strongly urge anyone who may have any information to come forward and report it to the PSNI immediately.
The DUP MP said the security alert is “an extremely serious and deeply concerning situation for the people of Lurgan”.
She added: "It is deeply alarming that a pizza delivery van was reportedly hijacked in Kilwilke, an object placed in the vehicle, and then driven into the holding area of Lurgan police station,” she said.
"Public safety must always come first, and I would urge everyone to follow the advice of the PSNI and avoid the area while investigations are ongoing. 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.
"This type of incident has no place in our society. I utterly and unequivocally condemn those responsible for this reckless and dangerous act, and would encourage anyone with information to bring it forward to the PSNI immediately.
"My thoughts are with all those impacted, and I hope for a safe and swift resolution to this situation.”