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Praise for GAA club which opened its doors to residents evacuated from homes

Pinebank Craigavon security alert

A Co. Armagh GAA club has been praised for opening its doors to residents evacuated during a security alert on Sunday.

Éire Óg GAA club swung open its doors following the alert in Craigavon, which lasted a number of hours, causing significant disruption to residents in the area.

Sinn Féin Councillor Catherine Nelson was full of praise for the Club and its members for offering refuge during an already difficult time.

“Those responsible showed absolutely no regard for the Pinebank community and are to be condemned. Anyone with information should bring it forward.

“It is disappointing that the PSNI did not engage council to kickstart our emergency plan for the evacuated.

“Thanks very much however to local GAA club Éire Óg who, with five minutes notice, had contacted the Ulster council and opened the club for evacuated residents.”

Police are currently investigating the incident which saw two viable devices removed for further examination.

Inspector Adam Ruston said: “We’re grateful to local people for their patience [yesterday].

“Families had to leave their homes, having their afternoon disrupted, while we worked to make the area safe.

“Most importantly, it’s fortunate that no-one was physically injured. The consequences of this could have been devastating.

“I am appealing to anyone with information to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 703 of 10/05/20.

“Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”

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