A delivery driver was “forced at gunpoint” to take a suspected improvised explosive device to a Lurgan police station, according to a senior PSNI officer.
Responding to a major security alert that began in the early hours of this morning (March 31), PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson described the hijacking as “a terrible throwback” to the past.
The incident saw around 100 homes in the Church Place area – close to Lurgan PSNI station evacuated overnight -– with police closing a number of key roads and urging motorists to avoid the area.
Church Place, Church Walk and Wellington Street are currently closed to traffic, as are sections of Market Street, William Street and North Street.
Speaking on the BBC News NI’s Good Morning Ulster programme, the officer outlined that at around 10.30pm on Monday night, hijackers targeted an unsuspecting delivery driver in a white Audi car in the Deramore Drive area of Kilwilke.
He said the driver suffered an “absolutely terrifying ordeal” being forced at gunpoint to ferry the device to the location.
It is understood the driver then escaped and alerted staff to the situation.
While the viability of the device remains unknown, Henderson asserted: “There’s been a really significant policing operation that we’ve been cooperating overnight to make sure the car and the contents of the car were secure and safe.”
A controlled explosion has been carried out and investigations are being carried out to determine the viability of the device.
In a statement issued at around 3am, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart said the town centre was likely to remain shut for “a significant period of time” and confirmed that the Army Bomb Disposal Unit had carried out the controlled explosion.
“This is not something anyone wants to see in our society today. The situation is deeply concerning, and I would strongly urge anyone who may have any information to come forward and report it to the PSNI immediately,” the DUP MP said.
“I want to utterly and unequivocally condemn what has happened tonight in Lurgan. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted, and we hope for a safe and swift resolution.
“The town centre has been completely closed off and is likely to remain so for a significant period of time. This will inevitably cause major disruption to the area, and we ask everyone to avoid the vicinity and follow all guidance from authorities.
“I will continue to liaise with the PSNI and update when there is more information available. Please stay safe and look out for one another.”
Sinn Féin Upper Bann MLA John O’Dowd said: “This has caused massive disruption to local families and businesses. I hope the town can return to normal as quickly as possible.
“No one wants to return to such scenes and we await the outcome of investigations into the vehicle.
“I want to thank all those who have assisted the families impacted and offered shelter.”
Justice Minister Naomi Long added: “This is a shameful and dangerous attack that has put lives at risk and caused disruption and upset to the local community.
“There is absolutely no place for this utterly reckless and abhorrent behaviour.
“I would like to commend the police officers who responded quickly and professionally to this incident and my thoughts are also with all those who have been caught up by this despicable attack.”
