Crime: find made in residential area

Residents have expressed concern after police uncovered munitions in a quiet, residential area of the town.
A Police Cordon across a path at Primrose Gardens Banbridge on Friday. Photo Paul Byrne INBL-1631-237A Police Cordon across a path at Primrose Gardens Banbridge on Friday. Photo Paul Byrne INBL-1631-237
A Police Cordon across a path at Primrose Gardens Banbridge on Friday. Photo Paul Byrne INBL-1631-237

The incident took place at Primrose Gardens on Friday, July 29.

Chief Inspector Joe McMinn said: “Suspicious items were handed in to police by a member of the public. We are investigating.”

After speaking to the PSNI regarding the munitions find, MLA Carla Lockhart said: “I have been assured that investigations are ongoing but the likelihood is that this is old military ammunition that has been disregarded.

“Myself and Alderman Junior McCrum visited the area following the find and residents are very understandably concerned about this recent find. This is near a local nursery school, and is a quiet residential area. I am thankful it was not a child who stumbled on this equipment.”

Encouraging anyone with information to come forward to the PSNI and report it, Ms Lockhart continued: “A find like this is always alarming for local people and it is important that the investigations bear fruit and try to put at ease the many people who live, work and have kids who regularly play in the area.

“We will be continuing to liaise with the PSNI in this regard,” she added.

Meanwhile Councillor Glenn Barr said: “It is good to get this ammunition out of circulation for it may still have been viable, but until specialists get a look at it we can’t confirm exactly what it is. It’s possible it could have been used in connection with terrorist offences in the past or used by paramilitaries.

“Thankfully the person who found it was responsible enough to report it,” he added.