Viable device found in Craigavon "an attempt to murder police"

Chloe St John

Police believe a viable device found in Craigavon was an "attempt by dissident republican terrorists to murder police officers."

The alarm was raised after a loud bang was heard in the Tullygally Road area at around midnight.

Shortly afterwards, a Belfast-based newspaper received a call, claiming a device had been fired at a police patrol, but had missed its target.

Police say they don't know if that's the case, or if it was planted there to target officers responding to those reports.

A security operation is continuing in the area this afternoon and a number of local residents have been evacuated from their homes.

A senior police officer has condemned those behind an attempt to murder police officers after a viable device was found in Craigavonhttps://t.co/4Im0iUHVJv

— PSNI (@PoliceServiceNI) July 27, 2019

Chief Inspector Barney O’Connor said:

At around midnight we received a report of a loud bang in the area of the Tullygally Road. A short time later we were contacted by a Belfast based newspaper who reported that a call had been made to them claiming a device had been fired at a police patrol but had missed its target.

We responded along with ATO colleagues and a suspicious object was located. A full security clearance operation was implemented and this is continuing at present.

(Craigavon security alert)

At this stage we believe the device to be viable and that this was an attempt by dissident republican terrorists to murder police officers.

At present it is unclear if the device was fired at a passing patrol or if this attack was set up in such a way as to target those local police officers responding to the area following reports from the public.

I cannot condemn strongly enough those behind this cowardly and despicable act of terrorism. They offer nothing to this community and their actions here do not reflect the wishes of the vast majority of the law abiding residents of this area.

I would appeal to anyone who could assist our investigation and help us identify the perpetrators to please get in touch with us by calling 101, or by calling the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Once the security operation has been completed the device will be removed and will be subject to detailed forensic examination.

This is appalling. This attack on our colleagues by dissident republican terrorists is an attack on the community. These evil people have to be apprehended and for that to happen, the @PoliceServiceNI needs help from the community. @ChiefConPSNI @NIPolicingBoard https://t.co/YIIDwjD9R3

— PFNI (@PoliceFedforNI) July 27, 2019

DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley said:


“The actions of a few mindless individuals could have resulted in a scene of devastation today. Their actions are totally reprehensible and there must be condemnation from all sections of the community towards this behaviour. 

Police officers go out of their homes, put on a uniform to protect our community from harm. For anyone to think that they deserve to be threatened or attacked in such a sinister way like this is clearly morally corrupt. 

Dissident republican activity must be thwarted at all costs. Activity like this should not belong within pockets of our society.

I pay tribute to those Police officers involved last night and thank them for their service, in such a frightening situation. I hope those responsible face the full weight of the law. Therefore I urge anyone with any details to bring that forward to the Police.”

🎥 Craigavon murder bid: Report of loud bang Tullygally Rd, midnight, then a claim device fired at PSNI patrol but missed. Chief Superintendent Peter Farrar says “lethal device” designed by dissident IRA terrorists to murder police “or any member of public, older person or child” pic.twitter.com/oWgW5QcNfv

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) July 27, 2019