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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