Lurgan residents evacuated in early hours as security alert as cordon in place

The force have warned members of the public to avoid the area

Advertisement

Residents are being evacuated due to a security alert in Lurgan with the town centre ‘completely closed off’.

The alert has been issued in the early hours of Tuesday, March 31, just before 12.30am. It is in place in the Church Place area of the County Armagh town.

According to PSNI an evacuation operation is underway. Cordons are in place and members of the public have been asked to avoid the area.

Lurgan Town Hall has been opened for those who have been evacuated.

Carla Lockhart MP posted a statement online that said: “There is currently a serious security alert in Lurgan town centre, centred around the police station, involving a suspicious vehicle.

“The town centre has been completely closed off and is likely to remain so for a significant period of time. This will inevitably cause major disruption to the area, and we ask everyone to avoid the vicinity and follow all guidance from authorities.

“For those affected, Lurgan Town Hall has been opened to provide refuge and support for anyone who has been evacuated.

“This is not something anyone wants to see in our society today. The situation is deeply concerning, and I would strongly urge anyone who may have any information to come forward and report it to the PSNI immediately.

“I want to utterly and unequivocally condemn what has happened tonight in Lurgan. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted, and we hope for a safe and swift resolution.

“Please stay safe and look out for one another.”

A spokesperson for PSNI said in a statement posted on X: “Members of the public are asked to avoid the Church Place area of Lurgan due to an ongoing security alert, this morning, Tuesday 31st March.

“Cordons are in place, and an evacuation operation is due to get underway. An update will follow in due course.”