An explosive device has been found in a security alert in Co Down, police have said.
The device was discovered in Temple, near Lisburn, as police dealt with a report of an ATM on fire on Carryduff Road.
In a statement released today, the PSNI said: "Shortly after 3.15am police received a report of an ATM on fire in the Carryduff Road area.
“Officers attended and discovered a suspect device close to the ATM, which did not explode, but we believe at this time was a viable device. There was also a fire, which we are treating as deliberate, which has caused extensive damage to the ATM.
"ATO and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service were tasked and attended. The device has been removed for further examination.
"It is not believed that anything was taken from the ATM during the incident. A number of men were seen in the area between 1.30am and 3am, before leaving on foot in the Ballynahinch direction.
"The Carryduff Road has been reopened.”
Police have appealed for anyone who may have seen the suspects or who has information in relation to this incident to contact them by calling 101.
