Residents evacuated in Omagh after suspicious object found

RESIDENTS, including nursing home patients, have been evacuated in Omagh following the discovery of a suspicious object in the Culmore Park area this morning (Friday).

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that cordons remain in place and that a number of people, including elderly residents from local care facilities, have been moved to a nearby community centre as a precaution. Army Technical Officers (ATO) have been tasked to examine the object.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police remain at the scene of the discovery of a suspicious object in the Culmore Park area of Omagh this morning, Friday, September 19. Cordons are in place and we would ask the public to avoid the area. A number of residents, including those from nursing homes, have been evacuated to a nearby community centre. Army Technical Officers will attend the scene. A further update will be provided in due course.”

Local representatives have urged calm but expressed concern at the disruption caused.

Sinn Féin MLA Nicola Brogan, who visited the scene, said: “This has been a very disruptive scene so early in the morning not only for traffic getting through the town but for the residents of O'Kane and Culmore Park. The safety of the local community and motorists is paramount and I would advise people to avoid the area while police deal with this incident. I would ask for patience and hope this can be cleared as soon as possible.”

DUP councillor Errol Thompson condemned those behind the alert, saying Omagh had “suffered enough over many years, due to acts of terrorism.”

“This just brings back all the trauma of the past decades,” he said, urging anyone with information to contact police.

Police have asked the public to steer clear of the cordoned area until the situation is resolved.