Police said the device had been removed for forensic examination.
Stock Image – ATO attended the alert in Magherafelt
Police have declared an object at the centre of a security alert in Co Londonderry to have been a “viable device”.
The alert, which caused “significant disruption” on Friday morning in Magherafelt, is now over.
A number of homes evacuated on Friday morning while police at the scene in the Leckagh Drive area of Magherafelt advised road users to avoid the area.
Detective Inspector Ryan said: “Police received a report shortly after 9:35am on Friday November 17 of a suspicious object located at the front of a property in the area.
“The object, which has been declared as a viable device, has been removed and taken away for further forensic examinations.
“A number of homes in the area were evacuated as officers conducted a public safety operation in the area. Residents have now returned to their homes and police would like to thank everyone for their understanding.
“Enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 381 17/11/23.
“A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
The SDLP’s Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone said he will be liaising with police to “make sure that support is put in place for those affected.”
He added: “This security alert caused significant disruption in a busy part of Magherafelt on a Friday.
“Residents were unexpectedly forced from their homes and there are a number of families and older people living in Leckagh Drive. This area is close to a number of shops and leisure centres and people’s days were impacted by the road restrictions in place.
“People in communities across the North are sick and tired of their lives being disrupted by security alerts.
“I would urge anyone with any information about this incident to come forward to police and assist them with their enquiries.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
