Armagh Violence Was Police 'Ambush'

Police and fire crews came under attack during street violence in Lurgan and Craigavon last night.

Missiles and petrol bombs were thrown at police, and other emergency services, as the trouble escalated.

Masked men hijacked a bus and van - which were later set alight.

The incidents broke out around 7pm when three masked men ordered passengers off a bus at the Drumbeg roundabout in Craigavon.

The gang then took off in the bus.

Less than an hour later, thugs commandeered a van in Lurgan.

Emergency services were pelted with stones and other missiles by youths who had congregated in the area.

DUP MP David Simpson said the attacks were an attempt "to lure" police into an ambush.

There has been no reports of any injuries.

Today, police have advised motorists to avoid the Co Armagh towns.

Meanwhile, two alleged dissident republicans were arrested in Craigavon yesterday.

The men, aged 35 and 37, were later released, pending police reports to the Public Prosecution Service

In an ironic development - given the street trouble overnight - the NI Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie is announcing funding of over £1million for economic development projects in the same areas of Craigavon and Portadown today.

The projects, which were assisted by her Department’s Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund, are aimed at providing employment opportunities in Brownlow and North West Portadown by facilitating small business enterprises in those areas.

(PR/JM)