Northern Ireland

Rail line reopens but Lurgan security alert continues

The rail line between Lisburn and Portadown. Picture by Mal McCann 
The rail line between Lisburn and Portadown. Picture by Mal McCann  The rail line between Lisburn and Portadown. Picture by Mal McCann 

THE railway line between Lisburn and Portadown has reopened hours after a major security alert was launched.

It re-opened before 9pm on Thursday, although police searches were continuing.

The line was closed as police carried out searches related to "serious crime" in the Cornkinnegar area of Lurgan, Co Armagh.

The alert caused disruption to rail services for several hours, with a bus substitution service operating between Lurgan and Portadown.

DUP MLA Carla Lockhart blamed "mindless individuals" for the disruption.

"This is costing the tax payer an absolute fortune with thousands of pounds being lost on policing such events," she said.

"The vast majority of people in both north and south Lurgan want to live peaceably and get on about their business.

"These individuals have little support and in fact this ongoing disruption future corrodes their position within the town of Lurgan."

Ms Lockhart said those responsible should face justice.

"I would call on the PSNI to continue their efforts to thwart the plans of those who seek to destroy and that the public please report any information you may have in connection with this latest attack," she said.