This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/10347051.stm

The article has changed 15 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Hundreds flee homes in bomb alert Hundreds flee homes in bomb alert
(40 minutes later)
Army bomb experts have been called to examine the abandoned vanArmy bomb experts have been called to examine the abandoned van
Hundreds of people have been forced to leave their homes in an overnight bomb alert at a police station in County Tyrone.Hundreds of people have been forced to leave their homes in an overnight bomb alert at a police station in County Tyrone.
Army bomb experts are examining a white van which was abandoned outside Aughnacloy PSNI station at Dungannon Road on Thursday at 2210 BST.Army bomb experts are examining a white van which was abandoned outside Aughnacloy PSNI station at Dungannon Road on Thursday at 2210 BST.
Police said about 350 people were asked to leave their homes and spent the night in a local church hall. Police said about 350 people were asked to leave their homes and spent the night in three halls.
The roads around the village remain cordoned off in the security operation. Some roads around the village remain cordoned off in the security operation.
Police have urged motorists to avoid the area. The main street in Aughnacloy is now partially open and the A5 is accessible, however the main Aughnacloy to Dungannon road is closed.
The alert was raised in a telephone warning to a Belfast newspaper office. It is believed the call was from dissident republicans and the caller used a recognised code word.The alert was raised in a telephone warning to a Belfast newspaper office. It is believed the call was from dissident republicans and the caller used a recognised code word.
DUP councillor Sammy Brush said: "There is nothing getting in, or out, of the vicinity of the police station.DUP councillor Sammy Brush said: "There is nothing getting in, or out, of the vicinity of the police station.
"There's a white Ford transit van parked in front of the police station.""There's a white Ford transit van parked in front of the police station."
"We can open all the halls that are needed. We have the facilities to open them. "Residents were moved from Sidney Crescent and Dungannon Road.
"We wouldn't have beds in them but we have seats and things like that. "Evidently, this was quite a large bomb. I understand it was a viable device. Had it gone off, it would have caused serious destruction and death," he said.
"It looks like it's going to be a long night and probably these people are going to be out for some considerable time." Mr Brush said only an hour's warning was given and it was difficult, in that time frame, to get elderly people and young children out of bed and out of their homes.
He added that the evacuation seemed "fairly well organised" and that there was "no panic". He said the evacuation seemed "fairly well organised" and that there was "no panic".
"There's a little bit of anger and disbelief but I suppose the longer this goes on, the feelings will probably get stronger.""There's a little bit of anger and disbelief but I suppose the longer this goes on, the feelings will probably get stronger."