FAMILIES in the Teiges Hill area of Brookeborough had to be evacuated from their homes following the risk of an explosion. Shortly before 9am on Friday morning April 13th, a gas cylinder had been placed below a bridge on the road and set on fire.
It is believed that local people heard four or five different bangs and saw sparks coming from the area and a number of families were evacuated from their homes as a safety precaution while the incident was ongoing.
Police rushed to the scene and the object was examined by the ammunition technical officer before being removed for further forensic examination.
Local Councillor Sheamus Greene branded the act as ‘reckless’ and appealed to those responsible to stop these actions.
“It was a completely reckless act. A gas cylinder on fire is extremely serious, and someone could have been killed if that had of went off. However is at it should stop this immediately. There is no need or purpose that I can see for these actions and it is putting people in danger. It is ridiculous that in this day and age that people have to leave their homes over something like this.”
In February, the Herald reported that threats had been made to workers at the Teiges Hill Mountain Windfarm and the site had been vandalised. When questioned about the incident and whether they believed there was a connection to the Teiges Hill Wind Farm, a spokesman for Energia said, “we have heard about the incident and we understand that it is being investigated by the police.
“ It did not take place on the wind farm site however we share the obvious sense of disappointment that everyone will feel in relation to this incident. The previous threats made to the windfarm are being dealt with by the PSNI and any further threats to the windfarm will also be directly reported to the PSNI.”
A spokesman for the PSNI said, “Police are working to establish a motive for the incident and Detective Inspector Trevor Stevenson is appealing to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area on Thursday night or Friday morning or anyone who has information that can assist with the investigation to contact detectives in Enniskillen Police Station on 101.
Alternatively, information can also be provided to the confidential Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.
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