BRITISH army bomb disposal experts were today resuming their security operation in the Co Fermanagh village of Derrylin following an IRA warning that it had left explosive devices in the village centre.
The alert in Derrylin began yesterday after the IRA, busing a recognised code word, issued two warnings claiming it had left two devices in the predominantly nationalist village.
The centre of the village, which is only a few miles from the Border was sealed off as the British army and RUC began their security operation which is focused on a skip site in Derrylin.
Over 300 pupils were evacuated from St Aidan's High School as the operation continued yesterday. They have been told to stay away from school today.
Businesses in the centre of Derrylin were forced to close and up to 40 families also had to leave their homes. A play-school was closed because of the alert. It is believed that the devices may be contained in a skip or attached to a hedge close to the play-school.
The British army bomb squad is being extremely cautious because of fears that the IRA may have planted secondary booby-trap devices, and the security operation consequently may take some time.
Just two weeks ago the British army bomb squad defused a booby-trap bomb which was discovered outside Dungannon, Co Tyrone. The bomb was attached to a tree at shoulder height and was intended for a passing British army and RUC patrol.
Security patrols had been operating in Derrylin and the IRA may have been, planning an attack of a similar kind, the British army fears.
The local SDLP representative, Mr Tommy Gallagher, said those responsible for the bomb alert, were demonstrating a reckless disregard for human life. "Their actions mean that people living in Border areas will experience increased security and further economic decline," he added.
