Security alert ends

Shortly before 1pm yesterday afternoon it was reported to police just after 1pm on Sunday afternoon that a suspicious vehicle had been left in the Parkmore Close area of the town during the early hours of the morning.

Police attended and a security operation commenced which included ATO carrying out a number of controlled explosions on the vehicle.

Following an examination of the silver coloured Mercedes car Police have recovered a suspected firearm and number of other items that have been taken away for further examination.

Superintendent John Magill, Ballymena said: “I would like to thank to local residents and the wider community in the area for their patience and support throughout this protracted operation. I wish to reassure them that this was necessary to ensure the safety of the local community and to protect everyone. Public safety is of paramount importance and the blame must lie with those who left this car in a residential area of the town.”

Police would appeal to anyone who has any information about the movements of the silver coloured Mercedes car, registration number JHZ 5122 on the night of Friday, November 9, or anyone who was in the area of Parkmore Crescent in the early hours of Saturday, November 10, and noticed anyone acting suspiciously or any suspicious vehicle to contact them in Ballymena on 0845 600 8000 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.