Hoax bomb alert on NYE is condemned

Hoax bomb alert on NYE is condemned

7 January 2015

A CONTROLLED explosion was carried out on a suspicious package in Downpatrick on New Year’s Eve.

Families were evacuated from their homes at Bishops Brae after the discovery of the package which was examined by the army experts who decided to carry out the controlled explosion.

Surrounding roads were closed and there was extensive traffic disruption throughout the town.

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie condemned the disruption caused to families who had to be evacuated from their homes because of the incident.

“I hope that those responsible will be quickly apprehended and I call on anyone with information about the incident to get in touch with the police and help with their investigation,” she said.

Sinn Fein councillor Liam Johnston, who lives in the area, also condemned those behind the hoax.

“We had all hoped these kinds of incidents were things of the past. No one should have to put up with this kind thing in this day and age.

“No one should have to be evacuated from their home on New Year’s Eve. The disruption to families and to business life was dreadful.”