Two viable devices have been recovered and made safe during a security alert in Co Armagh.
The alert – in the Pinebank area of Craigavon – ended on Sunday evening.
ATO examined two suspicious objects discovered in the area this morning and have declared them both to be viable devices.
have now been removed for further examination.
Residents have been allowed to return to their homes and the section of Pinebank that was closed to traffic has re-opened.
Inspector Adam Ruston said: “We’re grateful to local people for their patience today.
“Families had to leave their homes, having their afternoon disrupted, while we worked to make the area safe.
“Most importantly, it’s fortunate that no-one was physically injured. The consequences of this could have been devastating.
“I am appealing to anyone with information to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 703 of 10/05/20.
“Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart MP has slammed those responsible.
The DUP representative said: “Families have been allowed to return to their homes and the scene has been stood down. This has been such an inconvenience to those affected particularly at a time when strict regulations are in place.
“This is reckless behaviour and if one of these devices had gone off it could have killed or seriously injured someone.
“I would appeal to anyone with information to come forward to the PSNI.
“I want to commend the police and the army technical officers for making this as swift a process as possible so that the families can return to their houses.”
Local SDLP representative Thomas Larkham also condemned those responsible.
He said: “These times are difficult enough without criminal activity being placed upon our community.
“Anyone with information about this despicable incident please contact the PSNI or Crimestoppers.”
Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie was scathing in his condemnation.
He said: “Yet again we see terrorists endangering the community in the heart of Craigavon. The news that two viable Improvised Explosives Devices ( IEDs) have been found and cleared by the ATO sends out a clear message that these terrorists care nothing about the people of Craigavon.
“We have seen previously their contempt for the police and their eagerness to kill to promote their perverse aims. It achieves nothing but endangers the lives of men, women and children who lives in Pinebank or the wider Craigavon.
“We must be clear that this was not the actions of an individual but a coordinated action by a number of individuals. Someone acquired the component parts for the device, someone made it, somebody transported it and someone placed it. That cannot be done without someone knowing who is responsible.
“It is time we told these career terrorists they are no longer welcome, that they are from a past we will not return too. It is time we put them behind bars.
“If anyone has information, for the sake of their children, their community, our society, they must inform the police.”
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