Man arrested following ‘significant’ investigation into bag containing suspicious items in Coleraine

A 40-year-old man has been arrested in Portstewart following a ‘significant policing operation’ into a bicycle and bag containing suspicious items in Coleraine.

The man has been arrested on suspicion of a number of domestic abuse-related offences.

Police say they launched a ‘significant’ operation into the discovery of the bicycle and bag on February 13, which raised concerns for the safety of women in the town.

More: Coleraine police presence increased after suspicious items found in bag

“A significant policing operation has been in place to identify the person responsible for the discovery made by a member of our local community,” a police spokesperson said.

“Local officers have worked relentlessly through countless hours of CCTV and forensic enquiries, and engaged with a significant number of people across the borough.

“Today we can confirm that we have a 40-year-old male from the local area in police custody. He has been arrested on suspicion of a number of domestic abuse-related offences.

“Our investigation is ongoing and we have been engaging with the victim and providing them with support,” they added.

Police say they take “all reports seriously” and that they are “committed to making areas safe for everyone”.

“As a Police Service our focus is to intervene early, relentlessly pursue perpetrators and disrupt any predatory behaviours in all spaces to keep women and girls safe,” the spokesperson continued.

“In relation to wider community reassurance, I can confirm that we are not linking this to any other reports of suspicious activity in the Coleraine area in recent weeks.

“Through the planned community safety engagement event for women and girls in Coleraine next Thursday evening, we will address any personal safety concerns and actively listen to ensure the voices of local women and girls are heard.

“We have robust operational measures in place to deter those who seek to cause harm in our local communities, with targeted patrols in areas where women and girls have told us they feel unsafe.

“It’s important to note with the recent launch of the Power To Change campaign, our local district engagement teams have been provided with an operational toolkit to take this campaign out to local community groups and sporting clubs.

“We are keen to work with as many groups and organisations in our communities and partners to roll this campaign out far and wide and work together to end violence against women and girls,” they added.

Anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak to officers on the ground, or contact police on 101.