Published Friday, 04 May 2012
The scene of Friday's security alert in Lurgan. (© Pacemaker)
A number of residents were evacuated as police investigated a report that a suspect device had been left on the railway line at Bell's Row.
The alert was sparked after the PSNI received a phone call at 1.30am on Friday.
Residents evacuated to a nearby leisure centre have now been allowed to return home.
Roads closures have been lifted - but the train service in the area remains disrupted.
Passengers using the Belfast to Dublin Enterprise service are being transported by bus to and from Newry.
In Lurgan, passengers are being taken by bus to the train station at Moira where they will continue their journey.
SDLP Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly has condemned those behind the alert.
"I am appalled at the actions of those who have brought such disruption, once again, to the lives of the people of Lurgan.
"Being evacuated from your home in the early hours of the morning is a traumatic experience for anyone, let alone anyone elderly or with small children."
The party's deputy leader said that there appeared to an object burning on the railway line earlier.
"This type of reckless action was wrong in the darkest days of the Troubles and it is wrong now.
"Those behind it must be caught and put through the criminal justice system, so I appeal to anyone with information to contact the police or Crimestoppers immediately."
Ulster Unionist MLA for Upper Bann Jo-Anne Dobson has also condemned the hoax.
"This was a reckless and troublemaking act which has achieved absolutely nothing except to disrupt the daily lives of local people and commuters.
"We all want Lurgan to be in the news for the right reasons. This is the year of the centenary of Lurgan Show, a showcase event which unites all of the people of Lurgan, incidents like the one we had today simply attempt to divide."
She added:"People do not want this and my thoughts are with those residents who were evacuated from their homes in the middle of the night and those who have been considerably disrupted in their travel plans today.
"I appeal for anyone who can help the police with their enquires to contact the PSNI at Lurgan."