Man charged after Glenarm security alert and viable device explosion

A 43-year-old man has been charged following the security alert in Glenarm earlier this week, during which police carried out a controlled explosion on what was later confirmed to be a viable device.

The latest development follows Monday’s major police operation in the Feystown Road area, where detectives launched an investigation after a suspicious item was reported and specialist officers were called to the scene.

Court appearance on Wednesday

Detectives investigating the incident have now charged the 43-year-old with a number of serious offences.

Police said he has been charged with doing an act with intent to cause an explosion likely to endanger life or cause serious injury to property, obstructing police, and possessing fireworks without a licence.

He is due to appear before Coleraine Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 8 April.

As is standard legal procedure in Northern Ireland, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland.

Second man released

A second man, aged 47, who had also been arrested as part of the investigation, has now been released.

Police said a report will be forwarded to the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland in relation to the offence of obstructing police.

This means prosecutors will now consider whether any further action is to be taken.

Background to the alert

The charges come after Monday morning’s security alert in the Glenarm area, when police were called to reports of a suspicious device shortly after 10am on Feystown Road.

Ammunition Technical Officers attended the scene and carried out a controlled explosion.

Police later confirmed the item had been deemed a viable device, prompting the arrests and an ongoing detective-led investigation.

Further proceedings in the case are expected to begin at court on Wednesday.

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At a glance

• Security alert took place in Glenarm on Monday 6 April

• Viable device was previously confirmed by police

• 43-year-old man has now been charged

• Charges include intent to cause an explosion, obstructing police and fireworks offences

• He is due before Coleraine Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 8 April

• Second man, 47, released

• PPS report to be submitted in relation to obstructing police