While the suspect has been arrested under the Terrorism Act, police have yet to establish a motive
21:51, 24 Aug 2026Updated 21:58, 24 Aug 2026
Stock image of ATOs at the scene of a security alert(Image: PressEye)
A 16-year-old boy has been arrested under the Terrorism Act after four suspected viable devices were found during a security alert in Co Tyrone.
Police were carrying out a planned search at an address on Gardenville Avenue in Omagh on Monday, where they had uncovered a suspected device, which led to a number of homes being evacuated.
A further search of the property led to three further devices being uncovered.
Detective Inspector Winters said: “Police carried out a planned search at an address in the Gardenville Avenue area of the town this morning, Monday 24th August. “Following the discovery of a suspicious device, cordons were put in place and a number of residents had to leave their homes while Ammunition Technical Officers carried out an examination. “Three further suspicious devices were found as our search continued. At this stage, we believe that all four are viable explosive devices and they have since been removed from the property for forensic examination. “A 16-year-old male was arrested under the Terrorism Act and remains in police custody at this time. “Detectives are working at pace. We would urge the public not to speculate – it’s important to stress that, while the suspect has been arrested under the Terrorism Act, our investigation to establish a motive remains very much ongoing. “We would ask anyone who may have information that could assist our investigation to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 281 24/08/256. “A report can be submitted online using the witness appeal form https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/ “
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