A major security alert at a Border crossing in the village of Clady, Co Tyrone ended this morning with PSNI officers declaring it an “elaborate hoax”.
Gardaí and PSNI officers mounted a joint security operation after a bomb warning was received and a white Renault van was found abandoned with its hazard lights flashing near a bridge in the village close to the Donegal border.
The threat was declared a hoax at 1am this morning and the van removed for further examination. Families who were asked to leave their homes have now returned and roads have reopened.
The alert was criticised by local representatives from a range of parties.
Commenting on the incident area commander chief inspector Phil Marshal said the blame should be pointed in the direction of those who orchestrated the hoax alert.
He said: “The actions of these individuals has only resulted in disruption for the people of Clady and have caused unnecessary fear among local residents.
“I am aware of criticism by some regarding how long it took to resolve the situation this was not helpful during what was a very difficult operation.
“Any response to incidents where there is the potential for serious injury must be well thought out and appropriate.
“Yet again police resources have been tied up for more than 24 hours – 24 hours when officers could have been carrying their normal duties, there are no winners here.”
Two men aged 34 and 28 have been arrested for questioning and police also appealed for any witnesses to contact them.