PSNI:Suspected firearm recovered

A suspected firearm has been recovered from the Ballycolman estate in Strabane.

The item was located close to the community centre on the Ballycolman Estate.

At around 10am this morning the PSNI and British Army Technical Officers attended the scene at Spout Road in the Co Tyrone town following the discovery of the object by officers from Serious Crime Branch.

The suspicious item was behind a row of bushes and has now been removed from the scene for examination.

Detective Inspector Andy Workman said: “It is reckless in the extreme to leave such an item in an area near to a community centre which is frequented by all members of the community, including children.

“Thankfully this danger has now been removed and I would appeal to anyone in the area who knows anything about the circumstances in which this item came to be there, or who has any information about criminal activity in the area in general to contact police on 101.

“Alternatively, information can also be given anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”