Hoax bomb alerts ‘must stop’ - Ballymena police chief

A ‘spate’ of false bomb alerts in the Ballymena area has prompted the local police commander to seek help from the public in bringing the hoaxers before the courts.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Apr 2013, 14:08 BST
Police commander John Magill - appealing for help to find the bomb hoaxersPolice commander John Magill - appealing for help to find the bomb hoaxers
Police commander John Magill - appealing for help to find the bomb hoaxers

Ballymena Commander, Chief Inspector John Magill, slammed the individuals behind the hoax alerts and is asking for community support to help stop them.

He said: “Hoax alerts and devices are dangerous, disruptive and disconcerting for everyone, especially children and older people. Having people evacuated from their homes can put them under serious stress and serves no purpose for anyone.

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“I would like to thank the local community for the patience and support that they have shown in the face of the chaos that these hoax alerts have caused. The alerts need to stop and I would urge anyone with any information on hoax alerts or devices to contact police with that information”.

The call comes follows a recent hoax alert at the Pentagon area of Ballymena on Wednesday 10 April. A device is believed to have been left in the area between the evening of Tuesday 09 April and the morning of Wednesday 10 April.

Previous to that, a hoax device was left outside Dunclug Park on Wednesday 03 April 2013.

Police would ask anyone with information contact on the incidents them 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.