Bomb, components and ammo seized in two PSNI raids targeting dissidents
Two separate security alerts in Lurgan and Strabane were sparked by police searches on Sunday.
Last updated 30th Apr 2018
A bomb, bomb-making equipment and ammunition have been recovered in two separate PSNI operations targeting dissident republican activity.
The viable explosive device has been found during a police raid in Co Tyrone.
Ten houses in Strabane's Drumrallagh estate had to be evacuated during the security alert which lasted for several hours on Sunday.
Army bomb experts were called to defuse the device.
Three men aged 43, 45 and 77 were arrested at the scene under the Terrorism Act and have been taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite in Belfast for questioning.
A spokesman for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said: "Fortunately this device was found and made safe before it could cause any harm, however, it clearly shows the intent of those individuals to kill or seriously injure.
"They have absolutely no regard for the safety of local residents in the Drumrallagh area. People involved in hiding bombs want to cause harm, they don't care who gets killed or injured.''
Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie MC, has praised the Police and Army for their actions in defusing the Improvised Explosive Device. He said:
“Yet again it is clear that republican terrorists are intent on continuing their murderous campaign.
“The finding, clearance and disposal of yet another bomb - this time in Strabane - by Army Technical Officers following a proactive and intelligence led operation by the PSNI, demonstrates that there remains a hard core of republican terrorists who refuse to get in lane and move in the same direction as the rest of society.
“Had this device been deployed it could have brought carnage to the streets in the same indiscriminate way previous explosive devices have. If these terrorists have any genuine grievances - which I seriously doubt - then they should bring them forward in a democratic way and allow the people of Strabane and the rest of Northern Ireland to live in peace."
Police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
Meanwhile a second security alert in the Cornakinnegar Road area of Lurgan also ended yesterday evening.
Detectives investigating violent dissident republican activity recovered a quantity of bomb making material and ammunition during a search.
The items have been taken away for further examination.
The alert closed the train line between Lurgan and Moira for a number of hours.
Detective Inspector Adrian Brown from PSNI Serious Crime Branch said: “I am pleased to have removed these deadly items from the hands of ruthless and dangerous individuals. Our enquiries will continue and I would ask anyone with any information which could assist us to contact police on 101 or alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”
Upper Bann DUP MLA Carla Lockhart has tonight commended the PSNI for their efforts in removing the items from the hands of terrorists.
Speaking after the find she said: "Undoubtedly they were part of a plan to maim or murder. As a result of quick, robust Police action, the public have been reassured to see the PSNI are doing all they can in keeping us safe. Once again we see people attempting to hold Lurgan to ransom and drag it back. These individuals are not indicative of the people who live, work and do business in the town of Lurgan.