Homes evacuated in security alert
Several homes have been evacuated following a security alert in Co Fermanagh.
The operation centres on the Lisnaskea Road, the main route out of the village of Rosslea.
Police have said that a security operation has been launched after various claims about explosive devices left in the area were made to local businesses and media organisations in recent weeks and months.
It is the latest in a series of security alerts in the county in recent months.
Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliot has said that people in the area are frustrated by recent disruption: “The dissident republicans have been very active in that area over the last number of months and indeed over the last 18 months.
“I know a number of families have been told to evacuate their homes early this morning, including one of our own councillors Harold Andrews. Obviously it’s an ongoing terrorist threat in that area.”
Mr Elliott said: “The people of this part of County Fermanagh have endured more than enough suffering during the last 40 years without this type of anti-democratic behaviour.”
‘Act of madness’
SDLP MLA Tommy Gallagher has said the suspected explosive device on the Lisnaskea Road in Rosslea has caused major distress to local residents.
“Reports indicate that there is a serious device here. This is an act of madness and it is quite clearly going to be a major inconvenience for the people of this area, some of whom have already had to leave their homes, while others are unable to get to work and go about their daily business.
“What exactly this behaviour achieves is beyond me. The people of this area have the right to live in peace and the actions of those who planted this device are without any plausible backing from the community.”
Police have said that the B36 between Rosslea and Dresternan will be closed to traffic during the day as they carry out the security operation. Diversions are in place.
