Pipe bomb at Sinn Féin office an 'attack on democracy' - first minister

The first minister condemned a pipe bomb-type device that was left at the office of two of her party colleagues

The first minister has described the discovery of a viable explosive device outside a Sinn Féin constituency office as an "attack on democracy".

The pipe bomb-type device was left at the office shared by Newry and Armagh MP Dáire Hughes and Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins in Monaghan Street in Newry, County Down.

Army ammunition technical officers (ATO) made the device safe and it has been taken away for further examination.

A police cordon has been removed.

Vice-president of Sinn Féin Michelle O'Neill said the incident was "absolutely horrific" but she and her colleagues "will not be deterred".

"This can only be described as an absolute attack on democracy and left people very shaken by what has happened," she said.

Speaking to reporters at Stormont, the first minister added: "When something like this happens, it really does rock people to their core.

"But we will not be deterred. We are there to represent people, to have people's backs.

"We're going to turn up for people every day and nothing will put us off that track."

The device was left outside the constituency offices of MP Dáire Hughes and NI Infrastructure Minster Liz Kimmins

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins described the incident as a "very reckless act".

The Sinn Féin assembly member said it has a "profound" and "very personal impact" on staff and their families.

"If anything, I think this is reflective of how difficult it is to try and encourage more people into public life, because this is what all of our families and friends also have to take on, whether they maybe want to or not," she added.

Dáire Hughes said it was a "disgraceful and cowardly act designed to endanger lives and cause major disruption".

"To those behind this attack, Sinn Féin will not be intimidated," he said, in a statement.

"We will continue to represent the community without fear or hesitation.

"Our immediate focus is the safety of local residents, our staff, and all who live and work in the area."

A viable device was found outside a Sinn Féin office in Newry city centre

The PSNI said they received a report of a suspicious object in Monaghan Street on Sunday night, shortly before midnight.

ATO examined the object and it was "declared a viable explosive device", the PSNI added.

The area was cordoned off overnight but the road has been reopened.

A PSNI inspector said: "We're grateful this morning to local people for their patience while we worked to make the area safe."

Police appealed to anyone who has dash-cam or CCTV footage from the area to contact detectives in Newry.

A number of politicians from different political parties condemned the pipe bomb attack during a matter of the day debate at Stormont on Monday.

Echoing Sinn Féin's statement, Trevor Clarke from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) said the incident was an "attack on democracy".

"There's been intimidation, bomb attacks, bullet attacks, mayhem and murder for many years," he told the Northern Ireland Assembly.

"On every occasion, that has been wrong and we've always stood on this side of the benches and condemned that as wrong."

Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) assembly member Justin McNulty said he was "shocked and appalled at the news", adding that "violence and intimidation have absolutely no place in our society".