Kids evacuated as bomb and gun found during police search

The firearm and viable explosive device were recovered from the Tarry Drive area of Lurgan yesterday.

PSNI Superintendent David Moore said the device was capable of “substantial harm” and was intended to target fellow police officers.

A number of people were evacuated from the area during the security alert, including children at a nearby playgroup.

Mr Moore said: “We are hugely grateful for the patience, understanding and support shown to us by the local community, with whom we are proud to work in rooting out the scourge of terrorism.

“The device was examined by ATO (Ammunition Technical Officers) and found to be viable and capable of substantial harm. The device was made safe before being removed for forensic examination along with the firearm.

“There is no doubt that this device was intended to harm police officers, however its placement and the manner in which it was left undoubtedly mean that had it detonated, it would almost certainly have caused death or serious injury.

“Working together with the local community, this particular act of potentially lethal recklessness has been brought to an end.”

The officer added: “The people living in this area were placed at great risk.

“Had this device not been found when it had, there is no telling what we may have been dealing with.

“Young children would have been walking right past this location and people residing peacefully in this area were put in danger.

“The misguided individuals behind this device are seriously out of step with this community and clearly don’t care about the lives of those living in the area and the disruption they have brought to their doorsteps.”