Security alert in Antrim condemned
DETECTIVES in Antrim are appealing for information after a security alert at a shopping centre in the Antrim area.
At approximately 12.30pm on New Year’s Day, it was reported that a suspicious object had been discovered in the area.
Army Technical Officers were tasked to the scene and the object was declared a hoax.
Local councillor Drew Ritchie condemned the incident.
“Customers and staff at Junction One, Antrim had their shopping and work disrupted on New Year’s Day when Asda’s store and Junction One had to be evacuated due to a security alert,” Alderman Ritchie said.
He added: “This type of action achieves nothing, except put the public at risk to serious injury or worse; many young children and babies were at the time in the shopping complex.
“Antrim has had a number of alerts over the last few years and we have had very few arrests.
“There has also been a number of alerts and viable devices throughout Northern Ireland over the holiday period and security personnel must ensure proper manpower and financial resources are available to ensure public safety is a top priority and this type of activity and those responsible are taken of our streets.”
Police would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at the time of the incident to contact Antrim CID on 0845 600 8000.
Or if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Weather for Antrim
Thursday 23 May 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 5 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 5 C to 13 C
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