Railway alert ‘an elaborate hoax’
Police investigating the security alert close to the railway line near Newry have removed a number of suspect items.
The alert has been declared an elaborate hoax.
Security forces had been examining a suspicious object between Meigh and Killeen since Friday.
On Saturday night, shots were fired at officers investigating the alert and it caused disruption and the cancellation of some train services.
Chief Inspector Sam Cordner said: “Clearly the placing of these items on the railway line was a deliberate act planned to terrorise the local community and disrupt cross border travel.
“We are appealing for anyone with information regarding the terrorist criminals who brought about this disruption to contact us at Newry police station.
“I am also conducting an investigation into the attempted murder of police officers involved in the clearance operation on the railway line on Saturday night and again appeal to anyone with information regarding this reckless attack to contact us.”
