Searches carried out linked to booby-trap bomb in Craigavon

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The PSNI say a series of searches have taken place in Lurgan in relation to an attempt to kill police officers last month.

It's after a booby-trap style device was left in the Tullygall road area of Craigavon on July 26th. 

Officers say it would have had 'catestrophic' consequences if it had detonated.

Detective Inspector Adrian Brown said: “At around midnight on Friday 26 July, dissident republicans attempted to lure police to the area of the Tullygall Road in Craigavon where a booby-trap device was placed and designed to explode if moved or touched.

"If this device had have exploded, as those responsible had murderously intended, it would have been catastrophic for anyone in the immediate area and we could have been dealing with loss of life. 

"Whilst there is no doubt that this was an attempt to target police officers, the reality is that anyone could have been caught up in the carnage.

"As this was a Friday night, this included teenagers and people out socialising in the local area, as well as local residents. We continue to appeal for information in relation to this incident."

The PSNI made a specific appeal about the device saying it had to be made by someone, and then transported to the area.

"I would ask anyone who has any information about suspicious activity in an outbuilding or garage in the days or weeks coming up to Friday 26 July, or any unusual activity or vehicles acting suspiciously in the area of Tullygally Road on or before the Friday night to get in touch with detectives" added DI Brown.

"I also want to make a continued appeal in relation to a suspicious person who was seen running away from the in the area of the bus stop at around 11.45pm on the Friday night, 26 July. 

"They are described as being between 5’6” and 5’9” tall, of slim or medium build and believed to be aged in their late teens or early 20s.  They were described as wearing a light grey or beige long sleeved hooded top with the hood up and their face covered. 

"They are reported to have made their way from the bus stop into open ground that borders the Tullygally Road, Aldervale flats and Drumglass Estate in an area known locally as the Black Path.  "

Anyone with information has been asked to contact police on 101 or by calling the independant charity Crimestoppers.