Police slam ‘reckless act’ as viable device found in Co Tyrone

Rebecca Black, PA

Police have said the people responsible for a viable device found in Co Tyrone showed “a blatant disregard for the lives of others”.

A number of homes in the Gortgonis Road area of Coalisland were evacuated on Friday after the alarm was raised.

A police spokesperson said officers received a report of a suspicious object at a property.

“Officers attended and a number of homes were evacuated during the public safety operation. The object, which has been declared as a viable device, has been taken away for further forensic examination,” the spokesperson said.

“A number of roads which were closed during the alert have now reopened and residents have now returned to their homes. We would thank the local community for their patience and understanding as officers made the area safe.”

The police spokesperson went on: “This was a completely reckless act and those responsible have shown a blatant disregard for the lives of others. Their actions are reprehensible and are not supported by the local community.

“Our enquiries are continuing in relation to this investigation and we would appeal to anyone with any information to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 318 19/01/24.”