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Bomb squad at the scene outside police station in Co Armagh (Photo: Kevin Scott/BelfastTelegraph)
A delivery driver in Lurgan, Co Armagh, was threatened at gunpoint and forced to drive his car with an object inside to the town’s police station, sparking a major security alert, Police Service of Northern Ireland Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson has said.
The alert was sparked after the car was abandoned outside a police station close to Church Place in the town.
Several streets were cordoned off while bomb disposal experts examined the vehicle.
As a result of the alert, 100 homes were evacuated.
Bomb squad at the scene outside police station in Co Armagh
NI Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “This is a shameful and dangerous attack that has put lives at risk and caused disruption and upset to the local community.
“There is absolutely no place for this utterly reckless and abhorrent behaviour.
“I would like to commend the police officers who responded quickly and professionally to this incident and my thoughts are also with all those who have been caught up by this despicable attack.”
Posting to social media, local MP Carla Lockhart said: “This is not something anyone wants to see in our society today. The situation is deeply concerning, and I would strongly urge anyone who may have any information to come forward and report it to the PSNI immediately.
“I want to utterly and unequivocally condemn what has happened tonight in Lurgan.
Officers at the scene outside police station in Co Armagh
“Our thoughts are with everyone impacted, and we hope for a safe and swift resolution.”
A spokesperson for the PSNI confirmed the alert was underway shortly after midnight; “Members of the public are asked to avoid the Church Place area of Lurgan due to an ongoing security alert, this morning.
Bomb squad at the scene outside police station in Co Armagh (Photo: Kevin Scott/BelfastTelegraph)
Today’s news in 90 Seconds – Tuesday, March 31
“Cordons are in place, and an evacuation operation is due to get underway.”