LISTEN - Bomb recovered in Banbridge

by Gráinne Connolly

A viable device has been discovered in Banbridge during a security alert. 

It was found in the Hawthorne Hill area of the town at around 1.15am this morning.

Around 35 homes were evacuated during the incident, however the alert has now ended and residents have returned to their homes.

It's understood the local parish church took people in for around 6 hours.

The device has been removed from the scene and taken away for further forensic examination. 

Detective Inspector McCamley said: “Police would like to thank the local community for their patience while we worked to keep them safe.  Keeping people safe is of paramount importance and we will not take any chances. 

"I would appeal to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area or anyone with any information that could help our investigation to contact detectives in Lurgan on 101, quoting reference number 81 of 18/05/19.”  

Q Radio has been speaking to these local people in the area who were shocked waking up to the news of a security alert this morning. 

Some were among those evacuated during the night. 

Meanwhile, local MLA Carla Lockhart has condemned those responsible for the attack and has described them as "reckless":