A controlled explosion was carried out on a vehicle found abandoned at Windmill Drive last Thursday morning but nothing was found.

    More than 20 houses were evacuated during the alert and the residents subsequently returned to their homes last Thursday afternoon.

    The vehicle was reportedly hijacked near Belturbet early on Wednesday morning, said the police spokesman.

    He appealed to anyone who saw the vehicle being parked to get in touch with the police at Enniskillen.

    Evacuated residents were taken to a number of centres, including the Cathedral Hall, Enniskillen.

    Mrs. Ethel Gregg, who was among householders there, mentioned that they had been taken first to Coleshill Community Services Department, where she says they had been very good and looked after them well.

    Following its evacuation, she was among a number of people moved to the Cathedral Hall.

    They included Charlie Downey and his wife, Sheila, who also mentioned that they were looked after exceptionally well and that everyone was very co-operative and helpful.

    Another resident of the area, Mrs. Crawford had been shopping and it was on her return that she learned of the alert. Having been brought to the Cathedral Hall, she said they were very well looked after and everyone was so kind. Residents, Alvis McClelland and his wife, Josie felt everything had gone smoothly and that everyone was very good to them.

    According to a spokeswoman from the Sperrin Lakeland Trust, the Community Emergency Services Plan was activated. This Plan is put into operation by the Trust, in response to any major situation.

    Clients were moved from their homes and arrangements included the provision of transport, while the Plan also arranges that the evacuation centres are open. (There is a list of evacuation centres throughout the Sperrin Lakeland Trust area).

    Soup and sandwiches from the Erne Hospital were provided at lunch-time and following the operation's conclusion, arrangements were made for return transport.

    The Trust also maintained an emergency social services response throughout the alert.

    Its Emergency Plan involves collaboration with the other emergency services.