A REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY event close to the site of the Omagh bombing today disrupted by a bomb scare.

A suspicious item – now confirmed to be a viable explosive – was found near a cenotaph on Drumragh Avenue in the town this morning before a Remembrance Sunday event.

Chief Inspector Graham Dodds of the PSNI said that the scare was “sickening”.

“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.

“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.”

Chief Constable George Hamilton said: “This small but potentially dangerous device was left to cause the maximum amount of disruption to the Remembrance Sunday commemorations.

“This is the action of a small and callous group of violent people who have nothing to offer our communities other than fear and intimidation. Whilst our investigation into the incident is at a very early stage one strong line of enquiry is that violent dissident republicans are responsible.”

West Tyrone MLA Tom Buchanan expressed his disgust at the alert.

“Remembrance Sunday is a day when we pause to commemorate all those from every background who paid the supreme sacrifice. 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.”

Police enquiries into the incident are now underway and anyone with any information is asked to contact police in Omagh on 101 quoting reference number 100 12/11/17. Information can also be given anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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