Derry residents evacuated amid security alert after hijacking

Residents in the Galliagh Park area of Derry have been evacuated this morning due to a security alert in the area.
By Brendan McDaid
Published 19th Jan 2022, 08:55 BST
Updated 19th Jan 2022, 10:57 BST
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Police have confirmed an operation in Galliagh Park is ongoing this morning and it is understood the operation is centred around a white van parked in the residential area.

The security alert follows a report of a hijacking in the nearby Bracken Park area of the Galliagh estate on Tuesday night.

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Residents in Galliagh Park were awoken by police officers at around 4am this morning and urged to evacuate.

Galliagh Park (File Picture)Galliagh Park (File Picture)
Galliagh Park (File Picture)

A number of local families made their way to Templemore Sports Complex, which was opened to accommodate people from the area within the cordon.

A PSNI spokesperson confirmed this morning: “Police are currently examining a suspicious vehicle in the Galliagh Park area of Derry.

“The area has been cordoned off and a number of residents have been evacuated to Templemore Sports Complex while officers examine the vehicle.

“This follows a report of a hijacking in the Bracken Park area of the city yesterday evening (Tuesday 18 January).”