A pipe bomb left in an area of Newry this morning (Thursday) has been branded as an attempt to ’cause chaos’.
The device led to a security situation on Monaghan Street, resulting in road closures and businesses forced to close.
The device appears to have been left at a pay-and-display car park in the area.
Newry Sinn Fein councillor Aidan Mathers has said the culprits have, “nothing to offer the community, only chaos”.
He added: “This device left by criminals to deliberately cause chaos and to scare and intimidate. The local community and businesses have been greatly inconvenienced.
“We do not want this on our streets. Those engaged in these criminal acts motivated by either greed or to intimidate, need to cease their anti-community activities.”
Newry Chamber have said the area will remain closed for “several more hours”.
They said: “The PSNI are treating the device as viable and they have closed off the area until the device has been successfully dealt with.
“The area has been closed to keep local traders and the public safe.”
As of 11am, SDLP MLA Justin McNulty reported the PSNI bomb squad had arrived.
More to follow.
