Northern Ireland

Mystery over loud bang that shook homes in east Tyrone

Police are investigating reports of a loud bang
Police are investigating reports of a loud bang Police are investigating reports of a loud bang

There have been calls for the PSNI to explain what caused a mysterious loud bang which shook homes in east Tyrone last month.

It is understood residents in the Clonoe area were startled by the loud bang which was heard over wide area and shook windows and doors.

Details of the incident only emerged this week.

A spokeswoman for the PSNI last night said they are investigating reports of a "loud bang" in the area.

She said "nothing untoward found at that time" and that investigations are ongoing.

Chair of Mid Ulster District Council Linda Dillon heard the noise.

"People want an explanation given their windows and homes shook," she said.

"We were speaking to the PSNI about it and to find out if they knew what it was and they tell us they did investigate it at the time but have not reached a conclusion about what it was."

Meanwhile, people living in Coalisland have reported hearing what sounded like gunshots overnight on Saturday.

It is believed several loud bangs were heard in the Gortgonis area of the town.

A PSNI helicopter was flying low over the area at the time.

A spokeswoman for the PSNI said: "The helicopter was deployed as a result of a report of a stolen vehicle and to support officers on the ground. As a result one male was arrested.

"There were no reports of shots being fired."