Northern Ireland

PSNI investigate after bang heard in south Armagh

POLICE are investigating after a bang was heard in south Armagh.

It is understood a member of the public heard the bang in the Castleblaney Road area on Friday March 12.

Police later carried out a search of the Clea Lake area and removed a beer keg for examination.

A second beer keg was also found at a location near Clea Lake on St Patrick's Day.

Police said British army bomb experts described it "as an attempt at a crude homemade explosive, however it is not thought to have been viable".

Detective Sergeant Dave Stewart said police "are working to establish the full circumstances of these incidents".

A spokeswoman later said: "Police are investigating a potential link between the incidents and enquiries are ongoing.

"There are no further details at present."

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan praised the quick response of members of the public in reporting the devices.

"The St Patrick's Day device is the second incident in less than a week at Clea Lake. Whose who left the objects have shown a complete disregard for public safety," he said.

"Clea Lake has been an area where families have been able to enjoy walks during lockdown in relative safety.

"If it wasn't for the quick response of the public in drawing attention to these devices I dread to think what may of happened."