Four viable explosive devices found as 16-year-old arrested in Co Tyrone security alert

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested under the Terrorism Act after police discovered what they believe are four viable explosive devices during a planned search of a property in County Tyrone.

The security alert in the Gardenville Avenue area of Onagh has now ended, with the devices removed for forensic examination.

Police have stressed that their investigation into the motive remains ongoing and have urged the public not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s arrest.

Residents forced from homes during alert

The operation began on Monday morning, 24 August, when detectives carried out a planned search at an address in Gardenville Avenue.

Detective Inspector Winters said:

“Police carried out a planned search at an address in the Gardenville Avenue area of the town this morning, Monday 24th August.

“Following the discovery of a suspicious device, cordons were put in place and a number of residents had to leave their homes while Ammunition Technical Officers carried out an examination.

“Three further suspicious devices were found as our search continued. At this stage, we believe that all four are viable explosive devices and they have since been removed from the property for forensic examination.”

The discovery meant a total of four suspected explosive devices were located during the police operation.

Teenager arrested under Terrorism Act

Police confirmed that a 16-year-old male was arrested under the Terrorism Act and remained in custody on Monday evening.

Detective Inspector Winters said detectives were continuing to investigate both the devices and the circumstances surrounding their discovery.

“A 16-year-old male was arrested under the Terrorism Act and remains in police custody at this time.

“Detectives are working at pace. We would urge the public not to speculate – it’s important to stress that, while the suspect has been arrested under the Terrorism Act, our investigation to establish a motive remains very much ongoing.”

No finding of guilt has been made and the investigation remains at an early stage.

Police appeal for information

Detectives are asking anyone with information which could assist the investigation to contact police.

Detective Inspector Winters added:

“We would ask anyone who may have information that could assist our investigation to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 281 24/08/256.”

Information can also be submitted to police using the PSNI’s online witness appeal form.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online.

With the security alert now over and the four devices removed, the focus has shifted to the police investigation and forensic examination as detectives work to establish the origin of the devices, the circumstances surrounding their presence at the property and, crucially, a motive.