Lurgan Bomb

Lurgan Bomb

Police in Armagh have said that a security threat in Lurgan which was “absolutely designed to kill” is now over.

Police dealt with two explosive devices in the Lurgan area whilst also having petrol bombs and bricks thrown at them.

The PSNI were alerted after a call to the Samaritans on Sunday morning claimed an explosive device which had been aimed at police had failed to explode.

The device was located and the area was evacuated, during which time a second device detonated.

A statement from the PSNI read: “It is my belief that the phone call and the first device were designed to lure police into the area to be targeted by the second device.

“This was a clear and unequivocal murder attempt on the policemen and women who serve the community in Lurgan.”

Petrol bombs and bricks were thrown at police during the operation.

“That this should happen whilst police officers were already placing themselves at considerable risk in the interests of keeping local people safe, is deeply regrettable,” read the PSNI statement.

An investigation is now underway and police have asked anybody with information to call 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.