A significant security operation is underway in Lurgan following a incident on the night of Monday, 30 March. At approximately 22:30, a delivery driver in the Kilwilkie/Deramore Drive area was threatened at gunpoint and ordered to drive a vehicle containing a suspicious device to the local police station.

Upon arriving at the station, the driver was able to escape and alert officers. The PSNI immediately cordoned off the town centre, with major road closures implemented at Church Place, Church Walk, Wellington Street, and sections of Market Street, William Street, and North Street.

Around 100 homes were evacuated as a precaution, with the local town hall opened to provide shelter for displaced residents. Specialist bomb disposal teams attended the scene and carried out a controlled explosion on the vehicle. The PSNI's specialist terrorism investigation unit is now leading the enquiries.

Political Condemnation

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders across Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long described the incident as a "shameful and dangerous attack" that put lives at risk.

She stated: "There is absolutely no place for this utterly reckless and abhorrent behaviour. I would like to commend the police officers who responded quickly and professionally to this incident."

Alliance Upper Bann MLA Eóin Tennyson added his voice to the condemnation: "The actions of the thugs that carried out this sinister attack are utterly despicable and they must be condemned without equivocation. The kind of panic, trauma, and disruption caused by this attack is a stark reminder of the dark days of our past, days we will not allow ourselves to be dragged back to."

Sinn Féin MLA John O'Dowd expressed solidarity with the driver and the local community. He noted: "The actions of those involved stand in stark contrast to the scenes in Lurgan only two weeks ago when thousands gathered to celebrate St Patrick's Day. Those behind this morning's actions represent no one but themselves and stand isolated from the community."

Authorities are urging anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact the police immediately.