Suspected Firearm Found In Co Tyrone

A suspected firearm has been found in Strabane, Co Tyrone.

The item was found behind bushes near the community centre in the Ballycolman Estate area today, 20 July.

It has been taken away for further examination.

Detective Inspector Andy Workman said: "It is reckless in the extreme to leave such an item in an area near to a community centre which is frequented by all members of the community, including children.

"Thankfully this danger has now been removed and I would appeal to anyone in the area who knows anything about the circumstances in which this item came to be there, or who has any information about criminal activity in the area in general to contact police on 101.

"Alternatively, information can also be given anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Sinn Féin MLA Michaela Boyle said: "The discovery of a gun near Drumrallagh housing estate caused considerable disruption and inconvenience to the local community.

"A number of families were evacuated from their homes but thankfully they were able to stay with relatives in the area.

"There is a playpark near the area where the gun was and this shows that those who left it there have no regard for the local community.

"I welcome the fact this gun has been found and has been made safe and I hope the area can now return to normal following the disruption of the security alert."

Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Strabane, a number of suspicious objects have been removed from open land during a security alert in the Spout Road area.

The objects have been taken for further forensic examination.

(CD)