Security Alert, Clady, Strabane
16 Oct 2009
The security alert in Clady on Thursday 15 October has ended has ended in the early hours of this morning Friday 16 October and has been declared an elaborate hoax. All roads have been reopened and the vehicle has been removed for further forensic examination.
Commenting on the security alert in Clady, Area Commander Chief Inspector Phil Marshall said the finger of blame should be pointed firmly in the direction of those who orchestrated the hoax alert.
“The actions of these individuals have only resulted in disruption for the people of Clady and caused unnecessary fear among local residents. I am sure the community will support me in condemning this reckless behaviour.
“I am aware of criticism by some regarding how long it took to resolve this situation. This was not helpful during what was a difficult operation. Any response to incidents where there is the potential for serious injury must be well thought out and appropriate. Let me be clear, and I am confident of the community’s understanding, at no point were we prepared to risk the lives of the public or officers in order to bring this to a speedy conclusion.
“Yet again police resources have been tied up for 24 hours - 24 hours when officers could have been carrying out their normal duties. There are no winners here.
“I would appeal for anyone who has information about this incident to contact police. Whoever was behind this has no support and their actions here today have won them no favour with the people of Clady. ”
