Locals on border warned over suspicious objects

Police have warned those living locally to be aware and report any suspicious objects found on the Cavan-Fermanagh border.

The first alert was issued at the weekend after the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) were contacted and informed that “some type of device” has been left in the Fermanagh border area, specifically in the areas of Cavan Road and Clones Road, Newtownbutler.

“We are investigating this report, working to establish an exact location of any such device,” said Chief Inspector Rory Hoy at the time.

No roads were closed.

In a follow up statement issued on Monday, March 15, Chief Inspector Robert McGowan stated: “The investigation is ongoing to determine the location of any such device but at this stage, the area has been searched and nothing has been found.

“We would continue to appeal to members of the local community to be vigilant and if they see any suspicious objects in the area, to report it.”

In January authorities were forced to shut the road at Wattlebridge in response to a security situation that was later declared an elaborate hoax.

PSNI spent a week assessing the local area after a claim that dissidents had fired shots at a police helicopter in the area in an alleged ambush attempt.

CIRA boasted that the weapon used to shoot at the helicopter was “a high powered Dragunov Russian assault rifle”.

A hoax device was later found placed at a bus shelter.