Security alert caused serious disruption to community says Chris Hazzard MP
The security alert in Ballynahinch has now ended. And Sinn Féin’s South Down MP Chris Hazzard has condemned the incident as “disgraceful”.
Officers received a report of a suspicious object in the garden of a house at Windmill Avenue shortly before 10am on Friday 19th January.
An operation was put in place immediately to enable the object to be examined but while the operation was ongoing, reports of two further objects at nearby Loughside Drive were received.
A number of roads were closed and homes evacuated while all three objects were examined.
The objects have now been declared hoaxes and have been taken away for further forensic examination. Roads have re-opened and residents allowed back to their homes.
Inspector MacDonald said: “I would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding during the course of this protracted security operation, and in particular all of the residents who have been affected today.
“Our primary aim throughout the course of this operation was to keep our community safe.
“I would also like to appeal to anyone who has noticed any suspicious activity in the area of Windmill Avenue or Loughside Drive recently to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 318 19/11/24.
“You can submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via: http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.
The independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at:
http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
Hazzard Condemns Disruption To Residents
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has condemned those responsible for a security alert in Ballynahinch which has caused disruption and inconvenience to residents.
The South Down MP said:
“A security alert in Windmill Avenue in Ballynahinch has caused serious disruption for families and residents.
“This is disgraceful. The last thing people need is having to leave their homes in the middle of a cold winter’s day.
“Loughside Drive has been closed between Windmill Avenue and Tudor Oaks and I would urge the public to avoid the area at this time.
“I would appeal to anyone with information on this incident to contact the Police.”
