Security Alert, Friary Road, Armagh
19 Nov 2009
Police are appealing for information following the discovery of a viable device discovered during the early hours of this morning (Thursday 18 November) on the Friary Road, Armagh.
This security alert has now ended and the road has been re-opened.
District Commander Chief Superintendent Alasdair Robinson, said police were alerted to this device by a member of the local community late last night.
He stated, “It was that information that helped us pinpoint exactly where the device was, so it could be dealt with by bomb disposal experts. The road was immediately closed and army technical officers called to the scene. A number of nearby houses were also evacuated.
“The device was then made safe by ATO, who have since confirmed that this was a viable explosive device capable of causing serious injury or indeed death.”
He continued, “I have no doubt the aim was to kill police officers engaged in providing a community service to the area.
“The actions of both our local police officers and of the army technical officers are in stark contrast to that of the reckless criminal terrorists who abandoned this device close to private homes placing the lives of those living in this area at risk.
“Police are committed to providing the Armagh community with the level of policing it deserves and requires, and we ask everyone in the community to work together with us, to create an environment in which neighbourhood policing can properly flourish.
“Those who operate under various flags of convenience are simply terrorists and criminals who wish to drag everyone back to the dark days of the past by using violence as a so-called political tool. They 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 Friary Road area over the past few days.”
Anyone who has any information that could assist police with their enquiries is urged to call detectives in Armagh on 0845 600 8000. Alternatively, information can also be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
