Newry: Young child was playing near pipe bomb found in garden, police say

Barcroft Park is located off Dorans Hill in Newry

A young child was playing near where a viable pipe bomb was found in the front garden of a house in Newry, the police have said.

Police were called to Barcroft Park in the city before 17:30 GMT on Wednesday.

A number of homes were evacuated in the housing estate during the security alert. Residents began returning to their homes overnight.

The police took away the device for forensic examination and have appealed for information.

Det Insp Duffield said: "We believe that this was a viable pipe bomb and our enquiries to establish when it was left in the garden are ongoing. 

"The reporting party had moved into the property just a few days previously and this has been a very distressing experience for her. 

"A young child was playing in the area in which the device was found and we are thankful that he escaped any injury; however we are aware that the consequences of leaving this in the area could have been serious."