Controlled explosion on Cushendall car
A controlled explosion has been carried out by army bomb experts who were called in to examine a suspicious car in Cushendall, Co Antrim.
UTV understands 18 families were forced from their properties during the alert.
North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has condemned those who stole vehicles in the Glens on Monday night and abandoned one in the middle of Cushendall, which has resulted in the security alert.
Mr McKay said: “There is a great deal of anger in Cushendall at the actions of those who stole and abandoned this car last night particularly from residents in Moyle View who have been forced to evacuate their homes today.
“Two cars were stolen in the area last night and whilst police are uncertain of whether this was solely a case of car crime or not the evacuations and controlled explosions have caused immense distress to residents in this otherwise peaceful village”.
SDLP East Antrim representative Justin McCamphill said: “Whoever is responsible, whether this is some sort of sick hoax or a real threat to the village, it is to be utterly condemned and those responsible must be brought to justice.”
Army technical officers carried out a controlled explosion on the vehicle on Tuesday afternoon.
