Reports of shots fired at Lurgan alert
Shots have been reportedly been fired and a number of cars hijacked and burnt out in Lurgan, where police are dealing with a security alert.
The situation, which arose after a suspicious vehicle was found in Lake Street, has also led to the closure of Lisburn to Portadown rail line on Wednesday evening.
Translink said passengers wanting to travel between Belfast and Dublin are being bussed between Belfast Central Train Station and Newry Rail Station.
Police are advising motorists to avoid the area after vehicles were hijacked and set on fire. They are investigating reports that shots have been fired.
Also in Lurgan, a 46-year-old man has been arrested by the PSNI Serious Crime Branch in connection with a legal parade through the Co Armagh town in January.
Meanwhile in Belfast, an earlier security alert outside Strandtown Police Station in the east of the city has been declared a hoax.
Police were investigating claims to a local newsroom that a bomb had been abandoned in the area.
The alert is now over and the Holywood Road has been re-opened.
Police have also carried out a number of searches in Newry, following reports that a suspicious object was left in the area. The police helicopter was tasked on Wednesday afternoon.
“To date, nothing suspicious was uncovered,” a police spokeswoman said.
Police are urging people in the area to remain vigilant.
