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| Version 9 | Version 10 |
|---|---|
| City hoax bomb alerts condemned | City hoax bomb alerts condemned |
| (20 minutes later) | |
| First Minister Peter Robinson said those behind a series of security alerts in Belfast on Monday were "beneath contempt". | First Minister Peter Robinson said those behind a series of security alerts in Belfast on Monday were "beneath contempt". |
| The M1 is closed in both directions between Moira and Lurgan due to an abandoned vehicle. | The M1 is closed in both directions between Moira and Lurgan due to an abandoned vehicle. |
| Alerts near police stations at Tennant Street, North Queen Street, Kingsway and Blacks Road were all hoaxes. | Alerts near police stations at Tennant Street, North Queen Street, Kingsway and Blacks Road were all hoaxes. |
| "Those who would try to destabilise and destroy Northern Ireland will fail. We won't be going back," said Mr Robinson. | "Those who would try to destabilise and destroy Northern Ireland will fail. We won't be going back," said Mr Robinson. |
| The Hillview Road in the Oldpark area of north Belfast has reopened. | |
| Meanwhile, army technical officers are examining a vehicle nearby at Oldpark Road, it is believed the vehicle was hijacked and abandoned earlier on Monday. The road has not been closed. | |
| The Upper Springfield Road in Belfast is now passable after a fire in a hijacked lorry was put out. | The Upper Springfield Road in Belfast is now passable after a fire in a hijacked lorry was put out. |
| Alerts on the Andersonstown Road and at the Stormont Hotel on the Upper Newtownards Road in Belfast were also declared hoaxes. | Alerts on the Andersonstown Road and at the Stormont Hotel on the Upper Newtownards Road in Belfast were also declared hoaxes. |
| A van which was burnt out close to Holy Cross church on the Crumlin Road in the city also caused disruption, the police said. | A van which was burnt out close to Holy Cross church on the Crumlin Road in the city also caused disruption, the police said. |
| There are reports that two cars have been hijacked in the Kilwilkie area of Lurgan, which police have advised motorists to avoid. | There are reports that two cars have been hijacked in the Kilwilkie area of Lurgan, which police have advised motorists to avoid. |
| 'Despicable' | 'Despicable' |
| Peter Robinson said those responsible would not succeed in "dragging Northern Ireland backwards". | Peter Robinson said those responsible would not succeed in "dragging Northern Ireland backwards". |
| "The criminal terrorists responsible for the series of bomb scares and hijackings have no support whatsoever in the community," he said. | "The criminal terrorists responsible for the series of bomb scares and hijackings have no support whatsoever in the community," he said. |
| Sinn Féin MLA for North Belfast, Carál Ní Chuilín, said they had "no strategy". | Sinn Féin MLA for North Belfast, Carál Ní Chuilín, said they had "no strategy". |
| "These actions are wrong and counterproductive to anything that our communities want," she added. | "These actions are wrong and counterproductive to anything that our communities want," she added. |
| "I would like the spokespeople of those behind these alerts to come forward and explain how this will in any way achieve a united Ireland." | "I would like the spokespeople of those behind these alerts to come forward and explain how this will in any way achieve a united Ireland." |
| Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey said the disruption was caused by "republican elements who are determined to pursue their warped campaign regardless of the cost". | Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey said the disruption was caused by "republican elements who are determined to pursue their warped campaign regardless of the cost". |
| "As this is yet another test for our community, I appeal again for people to remain calm and not under any circumstances to retaliate." | "As this is yet another test for our community, I appeal again for people to remain calm and not under any circumstances to retaliate." |
| East Belfast Alliance MLA Naomi Long said the hoax alerts were "despicable". | East Belfast Alliance MLA Naomi Long said the hoax alerts were "despicable". |
| "These micro groups can not and will not be allowed to de-rail the progress made in recent years," she said. | "These micro groups can not and will not be allowed to de-rail the progress made in recent years," she said. |
| "I would urge anybody with any information about any of these security alerts to contact the police." | "I would urge anybody with any information about any of these security alerts to contact the police." |
| SDLP deputy leader Alasdair McDonnell MP said those responsible were "enemies of peace and progress". | SDLP deputy leader Alasdair McDonnell MP said those responsible were "enemies of peace and progress". |
| "The hijackings and alerts are intent in wrecking the new agreed Ireland, we have worked so hard to achieve," he added. | "The hijackings and alerts are intent in wrecking the new agreed Ireland, we have worked so hard to achieve," he added. |