Police rescue stranded family, Plumbridge
Police were involved in the dramatic rescue of a family in the Plumbridge area this week after heavy snow trapped them inside their home. The situation developed during the early hours when the family realised they would eventually run out of food and gas to heat the house and contacted police. A rescue operation was co-ordinated through Strabane police station led by Sergeant Stephen Creighton, Police Search and Rescue.
Sergeant Creighton said: “Once the situation was reviewed I contacted North West Mountain Rescue who sent out three landrovers to try and reach the family. Unfortunately the heavy snowfall made any attempts by the volunteers to get close to the house impossible. Our main concern was the young children in the house who would not have been able to make it through the snow which was eight feet deep in places. The adults were able to make it to the landrovers however we used the police helicopter to transfer the children from the house to their parents.”
Strabane Area Commander Chief Inspector Andy Lemon added: “I would like to extend my thanks to Sergeant Creighton and the North West Mountain Rescue Team for their efforts on the day. The snow has made it difficult for a lot of people however I’m glad we were able to help this family out and bring them to safety.”
