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LAST UPDATE | 30 Jun 2023
AMMUNITION TECHNICAL OFFICERS carried out “controlled explosions”on devices found wrapped in Pride flags, outside a number of homes in Portrush last night, including that of an Alliance Party Councillor.
The PSNI are treating the incident as a hate crime.
Detectives from the Serious Crime Branch are investigating the devices which were left outside of homes in the Hopefield Avenue area of Portrush.
Public safety alerts ended at 4.30 pm this afternoon, after a full public safety operation was carried out.
Detective Chief Inspector Hamilton said that the hoax devices will now be forensically examined.
“The placement of these devices has caused untold disruption to the lives of local people, many of whom have had to leave their homes while we made sure the area was safe for them.
“Those responsible care nothing for the impact they have on communities nor do they care about the fear and uncertainty their actions cause,” he added.
The Alliance party today said there was also a security alert at the home of another former party representative.
The PSNI said they are treating the incident as a hate crime after a suspicious item was left wrapped in a Pride flag.
It was found at Hopefield Grove in Portrush yesterday evening and locals had to evacuate their homes for several hours during the investigation.
A party spokesperson said: “Alliance can confirm these security alerts involved a hoax device at the home of councillor Peter McCully and another alert at the home of a former party councillor.
“We utterly condemn those behind these appalling attacks and call on all other parties to do likewise.
“Nobody should face this kind of threat when simply doing their job.
“In addition, local residents have been left facing huge disruption due to the irresponsible actions of a few who represent nobody other than themselves.
“This has echoes of both the dark days of our troubled past and more recent times, when homes and offices of Alliance elected representatives were targeted for once again simply doing our job.
“The addition of a Pride flag adds an extra sinister edge.
.@allianceparty stands in solidarity with our current and former representatives who were targeted in these security alerts in Portrush last night. We will not be deterred in standing up for an inclusive society. Those responsible need to be brought to justice. https://t.co/RpBsVs2ooD
— Stephen Farry MP (@StephenFarryMP) June 30, 2023
“It is clear some are still not getting the message this reckless violence is not welcome in Northern Ireland.
“We urge anyone with information on these incidents to contact police with it immediately.”
A number of properties were evacuated.
DUP MP for East Derry Gregory Campbell condemned the targeting of Mr McCully.
He said: “Those behind the targeting of Peter McCully do not represent people in Portrush.
“This attempted intimidation must be condemned.
Earlier this morning, I visited the scene and sought to speak with Peter and assure him of my thoughts at this difficult time not only for him but those close to him.
“The scene remained sealed off so I relayed my support to police at the security cordon.
“There was never any place for this type of bully tactics in democratic politics and I trust those behind this act will be brought to justice.”
SDLP councillor for Lisnasharragh, Séamas de Faoite stated:
“It’s deeply disappointing that our LGBT+ community continue to be targeted, particularly during Pride month when so much good work goes on to showcase this community and our contribution to life across the North.”
“It’s clear that there has been a rise in hate being spread against the LGBT+ community, including from our politicians and those responsible need to reflect on their words and actions which have very real consequences.”
“The people who carried out this attack do not speak for the people of Portrush which has a considerable LGBT+ population and heritage, I would appeal to them not to be too disheartened by this attack.”
The PSNI are appealing for witnesses who have information related to this incident.
Anyone who may have captured footage in the area of Hopefield Avenue, or who may have information, can get in touch by calling 101 and quoting incident number 1829 of 29/06/23.
- Additional reporting from PA.
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Rabid republicans and unionist need to be educated , Violence treats and intimidation have no place anywhere on this island
@Robert Halvey:
Proof read your comments before saying others need to be educated !
@Regular John: Maybe he’s referring to obesity?
@Diarmuid Hunt:
LOL , very good !
@Robert Halvey: I don’t think it was the Republicans .
They’ve gone away you know
Gregory Campbell has a history of anti-gay (and other) bigotry, so it’s good to see him condemning this crime.
@Brendan O’Brien: yes I was pleasantly surprised. Very rarely do I agree with him but nothing to add to what he said on that specific occasion.
Must have been a false flag operation
This doesn’t make any sense, why would the gays start introducing violence in to their cause. They seem to be running successful enough promotions as it is. Going down this road will only alienate the normal people they have already brought onbored their campaign.
@all devices: “normal people” You guys aren’t even trying to hide your bigotry anymore, are you?
@Gearóid MacEachaidh:
norm:
noun
something that is usual, typical, or standard.
@Regular John: it’s normal to be gay
The local Bigots taking time off from their annual collecting of Pallets to try and intimidate others
Surely not a hate crime in N.Ireland
That would be so out of character .
Love thy neighbour
People who make those bombs are a minority, people should be more understanding to their cause after all no likes groups to pick on minorities we all need love and understanding. AWH
Doesn’t matter whether it’s NI or ROI, Ireland is a land of backward, bigotted, homophobic, anti semitic rednecks.
@Dan Dare: There is no evidence for your claim none.
@Dan Dare: If this is satire then well done, the irony of the statement’s bigotry while accusing others of bigotry works well.
A pride flag that is supposed to represent equality, yet when we put the flag up, we were informed it was the wrong way … obvious some have more pride than others!!!
@Dano Morrissey: Ivory Coast?
“untold disruptions” – a bit dramatic no?
G.Cambell says they don’t represent the people of Portrush
They do!!it’s filled with that type of people
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