by Linda McGrory
THE border village of Bridgend was evacuated last
night following a major car bomb alert.
Residents were moved out of their homes
after a bomb warning call was made to Buncrana Garda
Station at 7.45pm.
The area was sealed off while the Army bomb disposal
team was called to the scene. Traffic diversions
were put in place for motorists heading via Bridgend
to Derry and Letterkenny. A number of local
businesses including cafe and convenience store,
also had to evacuate customers.
Supt William Johnston last night said: "A call was
made to Buncrana Garda Station at 7.45pm saying
there was a bomb in Bridgend and that we had one
hour to evacuate the area."
Around the same time, a white hi-roofed transit van
was seen parking in the car park of The Blackthorn
amusement arcade in Bridgend. The hazard lights were
left on and a man was seen leaving the van. Earlier
in the evening, there were reports that a van had
been hijacked in Derry by a number of armed men. The
Army Bomb Disposal Unit was en route to the scene
late last night while local residents made
arrangements for overnight accommodation. |
