Public warned to remain vigilant after three-day long security operation ends in Dungiven
Last updated 28th Feb 2024
A three-day long security operation has ended in Dungiven in County Londonderry.
A viable pipe bomb was found over the weekend after a recognised codeword was used in a phone call to police.
It also warned of another device, and an attack on officers, though those claims haven't been stood up after investigations.
The three-day long security alert has now ended but the PSNI's urging the public to stay vigilant.
PSNI Area Commander for Causeway Coast and Glens, Superintendent Mark Roberts said “I would like to thank the community in Dungiven for their patience and understanding during the significant three-day policing operation.”
“Officers recovered a viable pipe bomb type device on Sunday 25th February, at Curragh Road. The device was made safe and was removed for further forensic examination.”
“A call was received using a recognised code word claiming that there had been an attack on our officers and two devices left at the junction of the Curragh Road with Garvagh Road and the Old Foreglen Road. We have as yet been unable to corroborate the claims of an attack and following comprehensive specialist search of this 11 mile stretch of road since Saturday, nothing else untoward has been found.”
“I would however urge the public in the area to continue to be vigilant and I am appealing to anyone who sees anything suspicious in this area not to touch it or pick it up, but to call police immediately on 999.”
“The people responsible should be ashamed of themselves for placing local people at risk by leaving a viable device in the heart of a community not to mention the disruption they caused to this community as police worked tirelessly to keep people safe. They were reckless and selfish and showed no care or respect for the inconvenience and impact this would have on people, some of whom were evacuated from their homes over the weekend.”
Four men who were arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences have now been released.