Hoax device 'used to lure police' in County Armagh

Police vehicles were damaged in the attack A hoax device was used to lure police officers into an area of Craigavon in County Armagh where they were attacked with flagstones and other missiles. Police said the attack near the Drumbeg and Meadowbrook estates on Saturday was an attempt to injure or kill officers. Three police vehicles were damaged and officers fired three baton rounds at rioters during the attack. Police in Craigavon are investigating reports that a suspected mortar bomb was fired at Brownlow police station. The PSNI said they received reports that the police station was targeted, but not hit, on Saturday evening. They have advised anyone who comes across any suspicious objects to contact police. Chief Inspector Jason Murphy, said the attack near the estates on Saturday night was "disgraceful". "Missiles, masonry had been thrown at the vehicles and actually individuals approaching the vehicles with iron bars, trying to break the windows with iron bars, and get access to my officers," Mr Murphy said. "I have got no qualms in saying this was an attempt to kill or injure my officers, no doubt at all." The Police Ombudsman has been informed and is investigating the incident. Police are investigating reports that Brownlow police station was attacked Upper Bann MP David Simpson said: "Whether or not there was a device credible to do damage, it dragged the officers into a riot situation. "There could have been serious injury or loss of life." Last week, police said a viable mortar bomb left near Keady police station had the potential to kill. Sinn Fein assembly member John O'Dowd also condemned the latest attack, but said police should not have used plastic bullets. "Up until last night the local PSNI had adopted a responsible approach of securing the area, working with the local community and waiting until daylight to remove the hoax device. "That appeared to be the approach being adopted last night also until, at some stage in the evening, tactics where changed and the PSNI moved in. "The riot that resulted and the unacceptable use of plastic bullets could and should have been avoided." Constable Stephen Carroll was shot dead by the Continuity IRA in Craigavon last March.



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