Delivery driver forced at gunpoint to take 'object' to police station in 'abhorrent' hijacking

A fast food delivery driver was forced to drive to a police station at gunpoint with an item placed in his car by hijackers, police have said.

The incident on Monday night sparked a major security alert in County Armagh, Northern Ireland.

A number of homes had to be evacuated in Lurgan following the hijacking, while several roads remained closed on Tuesday.

Northern Ireland's justice minister, Naomi Long, has described the incident as a "shameful and dangerous attack".

Ms Long said: "This is a shameful and dangerous attack that has put lives at risk, and caused disruption and upset to the local community.

"There is absolutely no place for this utterly reckless and abhorrent behaviour.

"I would like to commend the police officers who responded quickly and professionally to this incident, and my thoughts are also with all those who have been caught up by this despicable attack."

The driver was subjected to a "terrifying ordeal" after he was forced to stop in his white Audi car at around 10.30pm on Monday night, police said.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson told BBC Radio Ulster that the driver was threatened at gunpoint and an "object" was placed in his car.

He was then "forced" to drive to Lurgan police station.

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Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn described the attack as a "reckless act of violence".

He said in a post on X: "There is no place for this in Northern Ireland, and those responsible must be held to account."

The incident is being investigated by the Police Service of Northern Ireland's specialist terrorism unit.

Church Place, Church Walk and Wellington Street remain closed to traffic, along with sections of Market Street, William Street and North Street.

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