Bomb Alert Disrupts Remembrance Sunday Ceremony In Omagh

A Remembrance Day ceremony in Omagh, Co Tyrone was interrupted by a bomb scare.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland were at the scene in Drumragh Avenue following the discovery of a suspicious object.

The rest of the Remembrance Sunday service was able to go ahead, according to the BBC.

Police Service of Northern Ireland chief inspector Graham Dodds said:

"This is a sickening attempt by cowards to create fear and disruption on a day when many gather to pay their respects to the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and must be unreservedly condemned."

Cordons were put in place at Drumragh Avenue, Mountjoy Road, Sedan Avenue, George Street and High Street.

Ch Insp Graham Dodds also said that safety is of paramount importance to police: "I would like to reassure the public that we are working hard to make the area safe and that we will continue to provide updates on any impact to today's event." 

DUP MLA Tom Buchanan told BBC: "It is disgusting that anyone would target a war memorial at any time, but on Remembrance Sunday it is an act of particular hatred.

"The cowardice of those who left this device stands in stark contrast to the bravery of those who are commemorated today."

The ceremony was to take place close to the site of the largest single atrocity of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

It is 30 years since the attack at the Cenotaph in Enniskillen in Co Fermanagh killed 11 people outright and left 68 injured, while a 12th victim, Ronnie Hill, died after spending 13 years in a coma.

Mr Varadkar was continuing the tradition of his predecessor as Irish premier, Enda Kenny, in attending the Remembrance Sunday ceremony.

DUP leader Arlene Foster, Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire, and Police Service of Northern Ireland chief constable George Hamilton also laid tributes.