Petrol Bombs thrown at Police in Lurgan after security alert in town ends

By Q Radio News

Petrol bombs have been thrown at police during disorder in Co Armagh.

The PSNI advised motorists to avoid the Levin Road area of Kilwilkie, in Lurgan.

Meanwhile,

A security alert in Lurgan has ended.  

A suspicious device discovered in the Tarry Drive area of the town this morning (Sunday, 23rd August) has been examined by ATO and declared an elaborate hoax.

Residents who left their homes have now been allowed to return to them. 

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon District Commander, Superintendent Wendy Middleton said: "I understand the disruption this incident caused for local residents who had to leave their homes as our officers worked to make the area safe. I want to thank the local community for their understanding and patience.
I would appeal to anyone with information about this incident to call us on 101, and quote reference number 64 of 23/08/20.

MP for area Carla Lockhart spoke to Q Radio after the alert was first declared:

Alliance Lurgan Councillor Peter Lavery has said those behind a security alert and attacks on the police do not represent the vast majority of the town.

Several petrol bombs were thrown at PSNI officers during disturbances today (Sunday) in Levin Road, which followed a security alert caused by an elaborate hoax in the Tarry Drive area. Councillor Lavery said it had just caused disruption to local residents.

“I condemn those behind these attacks and appeal for them to wise up and stop,” he said.

“Those who caused this security alert and who attacked the police with petrol bombs do not represent the vast majority of people in Lurgan. They are achieving nothing except causing disruption for local residents and forcing vital resources to be diverted elsewhere.

“My thanks go to the police and army technical officers for dealing with this incident, and I appeal to anyone who has information to pass it to the PSNI immediately.”

Pic: The scene of the security alert in the Tarry Drive area of Lurgan.

A security alert in Lurgan has ended. A suspicious device discovered in Tarry Drive this morning has been declared an elaborate hoax. Residents who left their homes have been allowed to return to them. Anyone with information should call 101, quote reference 64 of 23/08/20.

— Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) August 23, 2020