Device Planted Close To Station

A 'viable' explosive device discovered close to a police station in Strabane had the potential to cause "serious death or injury", the police have said.

Local residents were evacuated from the area while Army bomb teams dealt with the device.

It has now been removed for forensic examination, and those living nearby have returned to their homes.

The discovery was made following an anonymous telephoned warning which said a suspicious device had been left in the vicinity of Strabane police station.

It was later found lying in a small patch of waste ground at the side of the station.

Area Commander for Strabane, Chief Inspector Andy Lemon, said some of the residents evacuated were pensioners.

"[They] had to leave the warmth and security of their homes on such a cold night because of the selfish actions of a few," he said.

"Let us be clear. Those who placed this device are solely responsible for the disruption and upset that was caused."

Mr Lemon unreservedly condemned the incident.

"It is shameful that the people who left this device have such little regard for the local community.

"This device was in waste ground, near to homes and local life, and had it gone off, we could have been dealing with a very different situation today.

"There could have been serious death or injury caused."

He said those responsible have nothing to offer anyone living in the community.

The Chief Inspector added: "I would call on all members of the public to give us the information to detect and bring these criminals to justice.

"In particular we would like to hear from anyone who observed any suspicious activity in the area over the past few days."

(PR/BMcC)