Device found, Strabane
01 Dec 2009
Following a telephone warning of a suspicious device left in the vicinity of Strabane police station, police and Army technical officers have recovered a viable device.
The device, which was found lying in a small patch of waste ground at the side of the station, has now been removed for further examination. The surrounding area has now been reopened.
A number of members of the public who were evacuated from their homes in Courtrai Park for their own safety during the incident, have now returned and police have left the scene.
Area Commander for Strabane, Chief Inspector Andy Lemon, said police were alerted to the device by an anonymous telephoned warning in the early hours of this morning (Monday 30 November).
He said 'The device was found after thorough searches had been carried out in the area of the station. Unfortunately, local residents of Courtrai Park had to be evacuated for their own safety. Some of those residents were older and had to leave the warmth and security of their homes on such a cold night because of the selfish actions of a few.
Let us be clear. Those who placed this device are solely responsible for the disruption and upset that was caused. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those local residents for their patience and co-operation whilst my officers and Army technical officers made the device safe and ensured they could return to their homes knowing the threat of danger had been removed.
I unreservedly condemn this action. It is shameful that the people who left this device have such little regard for the local community. This device was in waste ground, near to homes and local life, and had it gone off, we could have been dealing with a very different situation today. There could have been serious death or injury caused.
Those who are responsible have nothing to offer anyone living in this community and I would call on all members of the public to give us the information to detect and bring these criminals to justice. In particular we would like to hear from anyone who observed any suspicious activity in the area over the past few days.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police at Strabane on 0845 600 8000. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
