Around mid-day on Friday (13 February), a suspect device was discovered near the road on Owenbeg Avenue adjacent to the Eclipse Cinema in Downpatrick.
The police were alerted and the ATO bomb disposal vehicles were tasked to the scene. For around three hours the area was closed off. The ATO send in a remote vehicle and destroyed the device.
This incident took place on the eve of the Love the Downe march and rally in Downpatrick on Saturday 13 February and caused considerable concern throughout the community.
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The Army Technical Officers (ATO) get ready to blow up the suspect package at Owenbeg Avenue in Downpatrick.[/caption]
Councillor Colin McGrath (SDLP) expressed his string disapproval at the device in the car park of the Eclipse Cinema. He said: “I was disappointed that this event took place due to the enormous amount of disruption to the town and traffic flow on one of the busiest afternoons of the week. Many motorists had to face excessive waiting times and diversions in the town and this caused a lot of frustration.
“I appreciate the swift work of the police and army in dealing with this matter and commend them for the work they do this – in such a brave manner. It is still important for people to be vigilant and approach any item that looks suspicious with caution.”
Downpatrick Councillor Naomi Bailie (Sinn Féin) also said: “Those behind the bomb scare at the Eclipse Cinema have nothing to offer our community by causing such disruption. The placing of a device in the vicinity of Owenbeg Avenue was backward and unacceptable.
“I and others are working on a daily basis to tackle decades of deprivation and under-funding in Down District and actions like these do not improve the situation in any way.
“This type of incident only adds to our area’s problems and discourages visitors, investors and business from coming here.
“I was extremely disappointed in the timing of this incident given it took place on the eve before the Love the Downe Rally March. On Saturday this community united to rally for our hospital. This issue and issues which affect peoples everyday life are the things that are important to our community.”
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