Wattlebridge Road security alert to run into weekend

In a statement this afternoon, Chief Superintendent Andy Freeburn thanked the local community for their “patience and support”

The search operation in the Wattlebridge Road area remains ongoing, and could continue at least into the weekend.

The detail is contained in the latest update provided by the Police Service of Northern Ireland in relation to the security alert which once again was the route closed to traffic last Monday, January 18, when PSNI began another sweep of the area.

Their presence follows a report received on Wednesday, January 13.

This was followed by a further claim that dissidents had also fired shots at a police helicopter in the area the following day in an alleged ambush attempt.

In a statement issued this afternoon, Chief Superintendent Andy Freeburn thanked the local community for their “patience and support”

“From speaking with the local community, it is clear that the people responsible for this disruption have no support.”

He added: “Together with partners on both sides of the border we have been working long hours to progress this complex and difficult operation to a safe conclusion. At this stage it is not possible to say when we will complete the search but we anticipate that it will run at least into tomorrow.

Chief Supt Freeburn noted: “We will continue to facilitate access for the local community. Our main priority continues to be safety of the community, police and partners.”

Diversions remain in place for traffic at the junction of High Street / Main Street/ Drumcru Road and Wattlebridge Road Newtownbutler; at the junction of the Wattlebridge Road and Landbrock Road; the junction of the Drumgramph Road and Cavan Road; and the Cavan Road 200 meters on the Cavan side of the Wattlebridge Road, near Leggykelly.

The CIRA boasted on Monday that the weapon used to shoot at the helicopter was “a high powered Dragunov Russian assault rifle”. They added that if officers were to go to the “Drumcrin Road they will find the spent bullet casings from the attack on a layby.”

The paramilitaries further detailed the precise location where they claimed a “hoax” device remained.