Four viable explosive devices found in Omagh, teenager arrested under Terrorism Act

A 16-year-old remains in police custody after four explosive devices were discovered during a planned search in Omagh, Co Tyrone. Residents were evacuated while army technical officers examined the devices.

Four explosive devices seized in Omagh after search of Gardenville Avenue address

Four viable explosive devices were found during a planned police search of a residential property in Omagh, Co Tyrone on Saturday morning, TheJournal.ie reports. A 16-year-old was arrested under the Terrorism Act and remains in police custody.

The search was carried out at an address on Gardenville Avenue. When a suspicious device was discovered during the operation, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) put cordons in place and asked a number of residents to leave their homes while ammunition technical officers conducted an examination.

Three further suspicious devices were found as the search continued. The security alert in the town has since ended.

"At this stage, we believe that all four are viable explosive devices and they have since been removed from the property for forensic examination," a PSNI spokesperson said.

Detectives are continuing to investigate and are urging the public to refrain from speculation about a motive.

"Detectives are working at pace. We would urge the public not to speculate – it's important to stress that, while the suspect has been arrested under the Terrorism Act, our investigation to establish a motive remains very much ongoing," the spokesperson said.

The PSNI is appealing for information from anyone who may be able to assist the investigation. The public can contact police on 101, quoting reference number 281 24/08/256, submit a report via the witness appeal form on the PSNI website, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Source: TheJournal.ie