Newry: Suspected pipe bomb found in Drumgullion Avenue

The device was found at this house on Drumgullion Avenue in Newry

A viable explosive device, suspected to be a pipe bomb, has been found at a house in Newry, police have confirmed.

It was discovered in Drumgullion Avenue, off the Armagh Road, during a security alert which began on Monday afternoon.

It is understood that the same house was targeted in a petrol bomb attack two-and-a-half months ago.

Two petrol bombs were thrown at the property on 18 October, which caused a small fire in the back garden.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze at the time and there were no reported injuries.

It is not yet known if the two attacks are connected but police said "inquiries are ongoing".

The latest incident began shortly before 14:50 GMT on Monday when officers received a report that a suspicious object had been left in Drumgullion Avenue.

Several homes were evacuated and police and Army technical officers were deployed to the street.

Some residents had to move out of their homes during the alert

Heavy rain made the task of the security personnel more difficult during the operation.

The alert ended in the early hours of Tuesday when the suspected pipe bomb was recovered.

'Absolute disgrace'

After residents were allowed to return to their homes, officers released a statement thanking local people for their patience and understanding.

"The object, which has been declared as a viable device, has been removed and taken away for further forensic examinations," a police inspector said.

The area's MP, Mickey Brady of Sinn Féin, said: "It's an absolute disgrace that people had to leave their homes at this time, because we thought those days were over.

"I lived through the conflict and I thought after the Good Friday Agreement we wouldn't have this anymore but unfortunately we still do."

On Monday, Social Democratic and Labour Party councillor Killian Feehan said residents had experienced "significant disruption".

He said it had forced people "to make emergency arrangements on New Year's Day - it's totally unacceptable".

"This is the last thing that anyone in this community wants or needs," Mr Feehan added.

Residents experienced "significant disruption" during Monday's alert, a councillor said

On Monday evening, volunteers from the Meadow and Armagh Road Community Association (MARCA) opened their community centre at Whitegates Business Park for people who had been moved out of their homes.

It is understood that the facility was not needed but Sinn Féin councillor Geraldine Kearns thanked the volunteers for their efforts.