Wattlebridge security operation ends - ‘no community should live under threat of such violence’ - device found in bus shelter declared a ‘hoax’

Army bomb disposal officers and police were at the scene when the incident happened at Wattle Bridge close to Newtownbutler on Monday morning.placeholder image
Army bomb disposal officers and police were at the scene when the incident happened at Wattle Bridge close to Newtownbutler on Monday morning.

The local community in Wattlebridge, Co Fermanagh have been thanked again for their ‘patience and support’ as the PSNI confirm the security operation in the area has ended,

South Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Andy Freeburn said: “I can confirm that the security alert has now ended and all roads have reopened.

“I would like to thank the local community for their patience and support.

“This was a challenging and complex operation, made all the more difficult by the weather conditions.

“I would also like to thank our officers, our colleagues in An Garda Síochána and army bomb disposal experts for their assistance and expertise.

“A device left at a bus shelter has been declared a hoax.

“Four rounds of ammunition have also been recovered. They have now been taken away for forensic examination.

“At this stage, it is too early to determine if any weapons were fired, as has been claimed.

Army bomb disposal officers and police were at the scene when the incident happened at Wattle Bridge close to Newtownbutler on Monday morning.placeholder image
Army bomb disposal officers and police were at the scene when the incident happened at Wattle Bridge close to Newtownbutler on Monday morning.

“No community should have to live under the threat of such violence and we will now focus upon our investigation.

“We would ask anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area from January 13th to get in contact with us on 101.”

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