Bomb making materials recovered following security alert in Lurgan

By Hannah Spratt

Bomb-making material and ammunition have been found during a Security operation targeting dissidents in Lurgan.

The security alert in the Cornakinnegar Road area yesterday closed part of the railway line.

Police say they've removed deadly items from the hands of ruthless and dangerous individuals.

Local MLA Carla Lockhart says it's a further sign police are ramping up the pressure on suspected dissidents..

Upper Bann DUP MLA Carla Lockhart commended the PSNI for their continued efforts to thwart violence by dissident republicans.

Speaking following the find Carla Lockhart said, “I commend the PSNI for their efforts in removing these items from the hands of terrorists. 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. 

Lurgan has suffered at the hands of terrorists in the past with members of the security forces and other innocent people losing their lives.  There is no room for this type of activity and this is a welcome find by the PSNI. It is particularly encouraging following on from a robust policing operation over Easter when dissident republicans illegally paraded in paramilitary regalia with their masked faces.   

Police enquiries are continuing and I would ask anyone with any information which could assist them to contact police on 101 or alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100 per-cent anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”

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.”