Dervock residents return home after controlled explosion ends security alert

Saturday 31 October 2026

Residents evacuated from their homes in Dervock were allowed to return shortly before 10.30pm on Friday after a suspicious device left on a house windowsill was declared non-viable.

A controlled explosion was carried out during the security operation in Greystone Crescent. The alert has now ended and all cordons have been lifted.

Police received a report just after 4.50pm on Friday, 30 October, that the device had been left on the front windowsill of a house in the village.

Residents evacuated as specialists examined device

Inspector Hamilton said:

“Attending officers noted that this was a potential explosive device.”

A number of local residents were evacuated and cordons were put in place while the device was examined. Ammunition Technical Officers attended the scene and worked alongside police.

Inspector Hamilton said:

“The device was deemed to be non-viable, and a controlled explosion was carried out, before residents were allowed to return to their homes shortly before 10.30pm.”

Police appeal for information

Police thanked the community for its patience during the operation, which required residents to leave their homes on Friday evening.

Inspector Hamilton said:

“We understand the disruption caused as this public safety operation was carried out, and we thank the local community for their patience.

“Our enquiries are ongoing, and we would appeal to anyone with any information to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 1169 of 30/10/26.”

Information can also be submitted through the PSNI’s non-emergency reporting form at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals