RESIDENTS in the Galliagh Park area of Derry have been evacuated this morning due to a security alert in the area.
Police have confirmed a security operation in Galliagh Park is ongoing this morning.
It is believed the alert centres around a hijacked van parked in the area.
The security alert follows a report of a hijacking in the nearby Bracken Park area of the Galliagh estate on Tuesday night.
Sleeping residents in Galliagh Park were alerted by police officers in the early hours of this morning and urged to evacuate their homes for their own safety.
A number of local families made their way to Templemore Sports Complex, which was opened to accommodate people from the area within the cordon.
SDLP councillor Brian Tierney says that about ten homes have been evacuated due to the alert.
“I have been speaking this morning to one resident, a young mother with three children, who have been removed from their home at 05:00,” he said.
“It is quite distressing for her and obviously the young children as well.”
A PSNI spokesperson confirmed this morning: “Police are currently examining a suspicious vehicle in the Galliagh Park area of Derry.
“The area has been cordoned off and a number of residents have been evacuated to Templemore Sports Complex while officers examine the vehicle.
“This follows a report of a hijacking in the Bracken Park area of the city yesterday evening, Tuesday, January 18.
“Officers would like to thank local residents for their patience as they work to ensure their safety and would ask anyone who witnessed the hijacking incident or the van being abandoned in Galliagh Park to contact them in Strand Road on 101, quoting reference number 1847 18/01/22.
“A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.
“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
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