A viable pipe bomb has been discovered in the front garden of a Newry property.
The device prompted a security alert in the Barcroft Park area of the city on Wednesday evening resulting in the evacuation of residents to a nearby community centre.
Police have confirmed the incident is now over and the device has been removed.
Inspector Heatley said: “Shortly before 5:30pm, police received a report of a suspicious object located in the front garden of a property in the area. Officers attended and the object, which has been declared as a viable pipe bomb device, has been taken away for further forensic examination.
“A number of homes were evacuated during the public safety operation, with residents affected now returning to their homes. We would like to thank the local community for their cooperation and assistance.
“Enquiries are continuing and we would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to this incident is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1525 01/02/23. You can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.
“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
