Police were attacked with petrol bombs, fireworks and stones as they attended a security alert in Co Armagh. A police vehicle was extensively damaged during the incident in Lurgan — the first of two security alerts in Northern Ireland yesterday.

Army bomb experts carried out a number of controlled explosions on a suspicious object left close to Cornakinnegar Road and North Circular Road in the town. The area which backs on to the republican Kilwilke estate was sealed off for much of yesterday afternoon and motorists were urged to avoid the area. PSNI Chief Inspector Jason Murphy, area commander in Lurgan, said it was fortunate that no one was injured.

Grocery store is robbed by knife duo

POLICE were last night hunting two men after an armed robbery at a grocery shop in north Belfast. A shop assistant was threatened at knifepoint by a man demanding money from the till. The robbery happened at premises on the Ballysillan Road at about 4.15pm yesterday afternoon. Both men are believed to have made off in the direction of Wallacy Park. Anyone with information can contact police on 0845 600 8000.

Teen recovers after weekend assault

A TEENAGER was recovering in hospital last night after being assaulted in Co Antrim. The attack happened in the Princess Street area of Portrush at about 11.35pm on Saturday night. His injuries were not believed to be life threatening. A man in his late teens has been arrested and was last night being questioned in connection with the assault. A PSNI spokesman urged any witnesses to contact police on 0845 600 8000.

Appeal issued over armed robbery

POLICE have appealed for witnesses to an armed robbery in Co Antrim. During the raid, a woman was threatened with a gun by four people with scarves covering their faces at a shop at St John’s Place in Larne. The thieves escaped with a sum of cash and a quantity of cigarettes.

PSNI in warning over stolen drugs

PARENTS were last night asked to warn their children about the dangers of playing with prescription drugs. Police issued the warning following the theft of a car containing medical supplies from Rathcoole Street in south Belfast at the weekend. Anyone with information about the medical items is urged to contact the police.