Police have confirmed that a safety operation at a school in the Craigstown Road area of Randalstown concluded successfully on Wednesday, 24 September, after Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) were called in to dispose of a potentially unstable explosive substance. The material was discovered in a science classroom during a routine safety inspection.

The incident began when police received a report that a small amount of the substance had been found. Officers attended the scene alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the ATO, who secured the material. Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Patton confirmed that no evacuation of the school was deemed necessary and that authorities quickly established there was no criminal element involved. The operation was carried out purely as a matter of caution for the safety of children and staff.

Following the safe disposal via a controlled explosion, Inspector Patton stated: "The explosion passed without incident. We want to thank the school community for their patience while this safety operation was carried out. I can confirm again that there was nothing suspicious about the substance, which was discovered during a routine safety inspection."