Lurgan crime gang behind pipe bomb alert Forensic officers use a drone and remove parts of a device that caused a security alert in Manor Drive in Lurgan Picture Mal McCann. 26 January, 2021 01:00
Forensic officers remove parts of an elaborate hoax device that caused a security alert in Manor Drive in Lurgan. Picture Mal McCann.
A security alert in Co Armagh is being linked to a local criminal gang, based in Lurgan s Mourneview estate.
A pipe bomb style device was examined and later declared an elaborate hoax.
The Lurgan gang thought to be linked to the alert, known locally as The Firm , has around 50 members and is believed to be involved in the supply of drugs and associated offences of blackmail, extortion and harassment.
Suspicious object declared ‘elaborate hoax’
A suspicious object, which led to elderly residents evacuated from their homes, has been declared ‘an elaborate hoax.
Tuesday, 26th January 2021, 10:27 am
The incident happened at the Manor Drive area of Lurgan this morning and the security alert is now over.
Chief Inspector Barney O’Connor said: “At around 7:35am this morning (Monday 25th January), it was reported that a suspicious object was located in the area. Officers and ATO attended and the object, which has been declared as an elaborate hoax has been taken away for further forensic examinations.
“A number of residents who had been evacuated from their homes have been allowed to return.