Security alert, Crumlin
09 Sep 2010
Area Commander for Antrim, Chief Inspector Simon Walls has described a viable device left at a police station in Crumlin as a clear attempt to kill police officers.
A security alert began in the Mill Road area of Crumlin on Wednesday, 8 September, shortly after 10am following the discovery of a suspicious object. The road was closed and a number of businesses, homes and a primary school had to be evacuated.
ATO attended and examined the object and declared it a viable device. It has now been removed for further examination.
Roads reopened and those evacuated were able to return to their homes around 8.30pm.
Chief Inspector Walls thanked the local community for their patience and support throughout the operation and condemned those responsible for the attack.
He said: "This was a viable device which was clearly meant to hurt or kill officers who are serving the local community. The actions of those who planted this device go beyond reckless. This was left in an area which is close to a primary school - if this had exploded we could now be dealing with injuries or fatalities.
"The criminals who left this device have no regard for any member of the Crumlin community. The security alert brought the whole area to a standstill, caused a frightening situation for young children and left parents worried and concerned about the safety of their kids.
"I want to thank the community for their patience and ask them for their continued support in helping us to find those responsible for this attack. I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how small you think it may be, to contact us. We believe the device was planted between Monday night, 6 September and Wednesday morning, 8 September and are particularly keen to speak to anyone who noticed any unusual activity around Crumlin United football pitch between these dates."
Police in Antrim can be contacted on 0845 600 8000. Information about crime can also be passed anonymously to the crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
