LISTEN: Police believe suspicious device found in Newry was viable

By Q Radio News

Police have confirmed that they believe a suspicious device found in Newry yesterday was viable. 

Army bomb experts carried out a controlled explosion on Ashgrove Road after being called to the scene at around 3.30pm. 

Most of the 15 families who were taken to the local leisure centre have now returned home and roads have re-opened. 

A number of politcians have condemned those behind the attack. 

SDLP MLA Justin McNulty said the elderly and young families were among those forced from their homes into the wind and the rain. 

He spoke to Q Radio News from the scene. 

“Those responsible for this device don’t care about people in our community, People living here don’t want this, they don’t want to return to the murder, mayhem and tragedy of the past," he added.

"This kind of reckless activity has no place in Newry or anywhere. 

“I would appeal to anyone with information to come forward to police. We cannot let mindless thugs dominate our communities. This is a time for us all to come together again and reject those intent on violence." 

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins said those responsible for have nothing to offer the community. 

"Families had to be evacuated from their homes in what must have been a frightening and traumatic experience," she added.  

"This is an attack on the entire community at a time when we should all be working together in the face of the public health crisis caused by COVID-19. 

"Those responsible need to end these futile actions immediately."

A PSNI spokesperson said: "A report of a suspicious object found in the Ashgrove Road area of the city was made to police at around 3:30pm yesterday afternoon (Saturday, 20th February). 

"Police and ATO attended the scene, and ATO carried out a controlled explosion. At this time, it is believed to have been a viable device."  

Newry, Mourne & Down District Commander, Superintendent Norman Haslett said: "As part of our public safety operation, a number of homes were evacuated. 

"Some of the residents affected made use of the local leisure centre, as facilitated by the local Council. As of this time, most of the families have returned home and any roads closed have reopened. 

"Our enquiries are continuing and we are working to establish who is responsible for what can only be described as a reckless act. 

"This device could easily have detonated, or have been picked up by anyone, including children. Someone could have suffered serious injury.

"As we continue with our investigation, I want to thank everyone inconvenienced by the alert. In particular, I want to thank the 15 families who had to leave their homes as we worked to make the scene safe."