Security alerts, Derry and Strabane
11 Jul 2009
A security alert in the Craigavon Bridge area of Derry has been declared a sophisticated hoax.
The alert began around 4.45pm on Friday, 10 July and ended around 6pm on Saturday evening, 11 July.
District Commander Chief Superintendent Stephen Martin has condemned the incident. He said: "This was a sophisticated hoax in which a van was hijacked, items placed in it and the driver ordered to leave it on the lower deck of the bridge.
"Obviously this was very distressing for him and it caused enormous disruption to the town.
"Clearly in these circumstances we must treat the van as though it contains a real bomb to ensure community safety. In Strabane today ATO dealt with a viable device thrown into the police station. This combination of hoax and the real thing can be very dangerous.
"Police officers remain committed to ensuring the safety of the whole community and I would thank the people of Derry for their patience during the past 24 hours. I also acknowledge the hard work and dedication of ATO and police as they worked to deal with this risk to the community."
