A fast food delivery driver in Lurgan, County Armagh, was hijacked at gunpoint on March 30 at around 10:30pm in the Deramore Drive area of Kilwilkie. Two masked men, one armed with a pistol, placed a crude but viable improvised explosive device in the boot of his white Audi A4 and ordered him to drive it to Lurgan police station or be killed.

The driver reached the station near Church Place, escaped the vehicle, and alerted security staff. Police launched a major operation, evacuating about 100 homes overnight. Lurgan Town Hall opened as a rest centre for displaced residents.

Roads closed included Church Place, Church Walk, Wellington Street, sections of Market Street, William Street, and North Street. Ammunition technical officers conducted a controlled explosion to secure the vehicle.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson stated detectives from the terrorism investigation unit lead the probe. He said it is highly likely dissident republican groups are responsible.

Residents returned home and roads reopened on March 31 morning. Police appealed for information on the white Audi seen in Kilwilkie or town centre between 10:30pm and 10:50pm, quoting reference 1828 of March 30.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson said dissident republicans lack support after PSNI infiltration and internal divisions. Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie, who represents Lurgan, said the tactic endangers bystanders and disrupts the local economy.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart urged information to police. Sinn Féin Upper Bann MLA John O’Dowd said the incident disrupted families and businesses. Justice Minister Naomi Long commended police response.