County Armagh: Petrol bombs thrown at officers in Lurgan

A number of petrol bombs have been thrown at officers during disorder in County Armagh, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has said.

The attack happened on Levin Road, in the Kilwilke area of Lurgan.

Supt Wendy Middleton, the district commander for Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, asked drivers to avoid the area.

Later on Sunday night, a van was hijacked and set on fire on the railway line at Lake Street.

The PSNI said the line is closed and have asked drivers to use an alternative route.

On Sunday morning, police were called to the Levin Road area after a suspicious device was found.

The device, left in Tarry Drive, was examined by Army technical officers and declared an elaborate hoax.

Residents who left their homes were allowed to return to them.

Police also said that searches were carried out in the town in relation to an ongoing investigation into violent dissident republican activity.

A number of items were taken away for forensic examination.

Supt Middleton said: "I understand the disruption this incident caused for local residents who had to leave their homes as our officers worked to make the area safe.

"I want to thank the local community for their understanding and patience."

Alliance councillor Peter Lavery has said those behind the security alert and attacks on the police do not represent the vast majority of the town.

"I condemn those behind these attacks and appeal for them to wise up and stop," he said.

"My thanks go to the police and army technical officers for dealing with this incident, and I appeal to anyone who has information to pass it to the PSNI immediately."