Hussey condemnsbomb alerts and associated threats

He has also spoken out against warnings issued to any community worker assisting PSNI during such alerts.

Councillor Hussey said: “On my own behalf and on behalf of Strabane PCSP may I totally condemn those ‘responsible’ for these alerts.

“Indeed the word responsible seems wholly inappropriate. The responsibility for this lies entirely with those who plant such devices. Thankfully, no-one was hurt, injured or worse on this occasion.”

“I am sadly aware and appalled that a warning has been issued towards those caring and responsible community workers who assist during alerts of this nature. These threats suggest that PSNI are using community representatives and thereby putting the lives of these workers at risk.

“Do community workers plant explosive devices? Do PSNI plant explosive devices? Who is putting lives at risk? How dare this group, describing itself as ‘the IRA’, place the lives of local residents, community workers and PSNI officers at risk by the placing devices of this nature in built up, residential areas or anywhere else.

“I applaud and support those community workers who engage with their wider community in times of distress and are prepared to intervene to help their own community rather than attack them. Residents do not wish to have their lives disrupted in this manner. Such incidents are an attack on all of the people of Strabane and District.

“I urge anyone with any information to contact local PSNI by telephoning 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 1111.”