Executive Summary
- More than 20 homes were evacuated in the Galliagh area of Londonderry during an overnight security alert.
- The alert was triggered around 12:30 a.m. GMT Thursday following reports of two suspect devices in the area.
- Police have established cordons, and a community center has been opened to accommodate displaced residents.
- The operation is ongoing, with law enforcement prioritizing community safety.
More than 20 homes in the Galliagh area of Londonderry were evacuated overnight following a security alert prompted by reports of two suspect devices. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) initiated a public safety operation shortly after the alert began around 12:30 a.m. GMT on Thursday.
The operation was centered on the Glenabbey Close and Beraghvale areas, where police established cordons to secure the scene. In a statement, PSNI Chief Inspector Graeme Craig acknowledged the significant disruption caused to residents who were asked to leave their homes in the early morning hours. He emphasized that the safety of the community remained the primary concern for law enforcement.
A local community center in Galliagh was opened to provide temporary shelter for the displaced residents, including families with children. Chief Inspector Craig stated, “We understand the level of disruption this has caused to residents… and how unsettling this will have been.”
While police have since reduced some of the cordons, Glenabbey Close remains closed as the investigation continues. Authorities have assured the public that they are working to resolve the incident as quickly as possible while prioritizing public safety.