A fast food delivery driver was threatened at gunpoint and forced to drive a car containing a viable explosive device to Lurgan Police Station in what senior officers have branded a “reckless and cowardly” attack.
The incident unfolded at around 10.30pm on Monday, March 30, in Deramore Drive in the Kilwilkie area of Lurgan.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson (pictured) said the driver was hijacked by two masked men, one armed with a pistol, as he went about his work.
“The men placed an object in the boot of the white Audi A4 car and the driver was ordered to drive it to Lurgan Police Station or he would be killed,” ACC Henderson said.
“The car was driven to the station where the driver escaped and ran to security staff, telling them that there was a bomb in the car.”
A major security operation was immediately launched, with around 100 homes evacuated overnight and residents taken to Lurgan Town Hall, which was opened as a rest centre.
Ammunition Technical Officers carried out a controlled explosion on the vehicle. Police have since confirmed that the device was a “crude, but viable improvised explosive device”.
“As unsophisticated as it was, it posed a significant risk to the life of the terrified delivery worker, our security staff and the local community,” ACC Henderson said.
Describing the attack as “reckless and cowardly”, he added that detectives believe it is “highly likely that dissident Republican groups are responsible”.
“Those responsible do not have the support of our community here in Lurgan or beyond, and it is our community who have had to deal with the disruption caused by their pathetic attempt to remain relevant and provoke fear,” he said.
“I welcome the widespread and unequivocal condemnation we have heard from across civic and political society of this attack and am grateful for the expressions of support and concern for our police officers and staff involved in this operation.
“I want to thank local residents, community representatives and businesses for their patience and support while this safety operation was carried out. Local residents have returned to their homes earlier this morning.”
The investigation, led by specialist detectives from the PSNI’s Terrorism Investigation Unit, is ongoing.
Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen the hijacked white Audi A4 in the Kilwilkie estate or Lurgan town centre between 10.30pm and 10.50pm to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1828 30/03/26.
Information can also be submitted online via the non-emergency reporting form on the PSNI website, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
