A major security alert in Lurgan town centre has seen around 100 homes evacuated overnight, with police closing a number of key roads and urging motorists to avoid the area.
Police said the alert, centred around the Church Place area close to Lurgan PSNI station, began in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday, March 31) following the discovery of a suspicious vehicle.
Church Place, Church Walk and Wellington Street are currently closed to traffic, as are sections of Market Street, William Street and North Street.
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 a controlled explosion.
She said approximately 100 homes had been evacuated as a precaution and that Lurgan Town Hall had been opened to provide refuge and support for those forced from their properties.
“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.”
Police have asked drivers to seek alternative routes and for members of the public to stay away from the affected streets while the operation continues.
No further details about the suspicious vehicle have yet been released.
