DUP Councillor John McAuley has called for calm after the villages of Dervock and Derrykeighan were brought to a standstill causing significant disruption to many families forced to leave their homes while Police and Army ATO officers worked to ensure a safe return, following the discovery of three suspicious devices which the PSNI have since described as ‘live and potentially lethal’.
Having visited both villages along with North Antrim MLA and Policing Board member Mervyn Storey, Cllr McAuley commented:
“I have been in contact with many members of the local community today and it is clear that this type of behaviour is not welcome by the majority of residents, who are living in fear of what will happen next. Unfortunately tensions have been increasing within the village over a number of months now, in what appears to be some sort of a feud resulting in various incidents including damage to property, threats, allegations, claims and counter claims.
“As the local councillor for both villages, I hope to never see the scenes of today repeated and am thankful not to be talking about serious injury or worse this evening.
”I would appeal for everyone involved in anyway to reflect on their actions of recent months and call for calm to end this ripping apart of a community which everyone is proud of and I am proud to represent.
”Finally I would urge anyone with any relevant information to contact the PSNI on 101 or speak with your local Neighbourhood officers.”
