RESIDENTS were evacuated in Newry following the discovery of a “viable device” which sparked a security alert on Monday afternoon.
The incident in Drumgullion Avenue began shortly before 2.50pm when police received a report of a suspicious object in the area.
A PSNI statement said: “Police received a report shortly before 2.50pm on Monday, 1st January that a suspicious object had been left in the area.
“The object, which has been declared as a viable device, has been removed and taken away for further forensic examinations.
”A number of homes in the area were evacuated as officers conducted a public safety operation in the area. Residents have now returned to their homes and police would like to thank everyone for their understanding.
”Enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101.”
SDLP councillor Killian Feehan said it was “totally unacceptable” for residents to be forced out of their homes on New Years Day.
“This is the last thing that anyone in this community wants or needs. I would urge residents to bear with emergency services as they make the area safe as quickly as possible,” he said.
“We will continue to liaise with police to ensure that local people can return home as soon as possible.”
Police are currently at the scene of a security alert in the Drumgullion Avenue area of Newry this afternoon, Monday, 1st January pic.twitter.com/b3lTednYex
— Police Newry, Mourne and Down (@PSNINMDown) January 1, 2024
