Long: Those behind hoax device were cruel and callous

Justice Minister Naomi Long has condemned those responsible for today’s security alert and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Naomi Long said: “Today, a man who left home to do a day’s work on a sunny Friday morning was threatened at gunpoint. He was told his family was in danger and forced to drive what he thought was a live bomb to a church. It must have been an utterly terrifying experience.

“Today, a grieving family had their last goodbye to their loved one disrupted; 25 homes were evacuated and residents of a nursing home had to be moved from their rooms.

“Those who orchestrated and planned this cruel and callous chain of events set out to cause maximum disruption and distress to people who were quite simply getting on with their lives. They do not care about local communities; nor do they care about the distress and emotional trauma their reckless actions cause.

“We have come too far to be dragged back in to the past and I would urge anyone with any information – no matter how insignificant it may seem - to contact the police or Crimestoppers.”

Notes to editors: 

1. Media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office via email to:  press.office@justice-ni.gov.uk
2. Follow the department on Twitter @Justice_NI

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