Viable Explosive Device And Firearm Recovered In Lurgan

A viable explosive device and firearm have been recovered during police searches in Lurgan.

A number of areas were cordoned off and some residents were evacuated from their homes during the police operation, which was focused on the Tarry Drive area on Tuesday, 08 May.

Following the operation, Superintendent David Moore said: "The device was examined by ATO and found to be viable and capable of substantial harm. The device was made safe before being removed for forensic examination along with the firearm.

"There is no doubt that this device was intended to harm police officers, however its placement and the manner in which it was left undoubtedly mean that had it detonated, it would almost certainly have caused death or serious injury. Working together with the local community, this particular act of potentially lethal recklessness has been brought to an end.

"The people living in this area were placed at great risk. Had this device not been found when it had, there is no telling what we may have been dealing with. Young children would have been walking right past this location and people residing peacefully in this area were put in danger. The misguided individuals behind this device are seriously out of step with this community and clearly don't care about the lives of those living in the area and the disruption they have brought to their doorsteps. Placing this device where they did says much about the contempt and disregard in which they hold this community.

"We are hugely grateful for the patience, understanding and support shown to us by the local community, with whom we are proud to work in rooting out the scourge of terrorism."

Superintendent Moore said that police would not be deterred by such acts, "nor by the small number of individuals behind them".

He concluded: "We will keep doing our job, keeping people safe and tackling the things people in Lurgan are demanding we tackle - burglary, anti social behaviour and drug dealing."

An investigation, led by detectives from PSNI's Serious Crime Branch is underway. Anyone who may have information is urged to contact police on 101, or if someone would prefer to give information without leaving their name they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

(MH/LM)