HUNDREDS of homes in Co Tyrone have been evacuated following the discovery of a suspicious device in Strabane.
The area affected is at the junction of Mount Carmel Heights with Newtownkennedy Street near Evish Square in Tyrone.
Police are on the scene after a suspicious device was found there around 9am today.
They are overseeing a major public safety operation on the now inaccessible street.
Cops confirmed that a number of houses are being evacuated as part of the proceedings.
And they added that Melvin Sports Complex is available as a rest centre.
Police said that they will keep the public updated but urged locals to cooperate with law enforcement.
Inspector Robb said: “We understand the disruption and inconvenience this is causing, and we are working our way through this situation as quickly as possible.
“However, public safety is of paramount importance and we appreciate the co-operation and patience from the public as we deal with this incident.
“We will keep you updated.”
SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has said he is liaising with members of the public while the alert is ongoing.
He said: “Nobody wants to see scenes like this unfolding in our community, we have had far too many instances of this in the past and I hope to see it brought to an end as soon as possible.”
He added that families are being prevented from leaving or returning to their home due to the incident, which he said has caused “huge disruption”.
‘LET PEOPLE LIVE IN PEACE’
McCrossan continued: “It’s not only stopping people going about their lives, but there are many elderly and vulnerable people in this area who rely on visits from family or carers and this alert will cause them real worry.
“I condemn this alert in the strongest possible terms and would urge those behind it to get off the backs of the local community and let people live their lives in peace.”
He also asked the local population to cooperate with police as the investigation is ongoing.
In a statement, police said they made the discovery this morning.
They explained: “Police are dealing with a security alert in the area of Evish Square of Strabane following the discovery of a suspicious device there shortly after 9am this morning, Tuesday 10 June.
“A public safety operation is underway and the main area impacted at this time is at the junction of Mount Carmel Heights with Newtownkennedy Street, which is inaccessible.
“A number of homes are being evacuated. Melvin Sports Complex is available as a rest centre.
“We will keep you updated.”
The incident happened in Mount Carmel Heights in Tyrone[/caption]
Police are on the scene and evacuating homes[/caption]
