Northern Ireland

Irish Army explodes 'historic' mortar at Disappeared dig site

Columba McVeigh, who was murdered and secretly buried by the Provisional IRA. Picture: Family handout/PA
Columba McVeigh, who was murdered and secretly buried by the Provisional IRA. Picture: Family handout/PA Columba McVeigh, who was murdered and secretly buried by the Provisional IRA. Picture: Family handout/PA

The Irish Army has carried out a controlled explosion on a 'historical' mortar bomb in Co Monaghan.

The device was discovered at Bragan Bog where searches have been continuing to find one of the disappeared, Columba McVeigh.

Mr McVeigh, from Donaghmore, Co Tyrone, was kidnapped on November 1 1975.

He was one of 16 murder victims known as the Disappeared, who were killed and secretly buried by the IRA.

ICLVR investigators at Bragan Bog, Co Monaghan where a 'historic' mortar was found. Picture by Mal McCann
ICLVR investigators at Bragan Bog, Co Monaghan where a 'historic' mortar was found. Picture by Mal McCann ICLVR investigators at Bragan Bog, Co Monaghan where a 'historic' mortar was found. Picture by Mal McCann

The latest search is the sixth attempt to locate the body of the 19 year-old.

His family has strongly rejected the IRA claim that he was an informer.

The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR) had paused its search for Mr McVeigh in October due to the weather, with work resuming at the site last month, as spring brought more favourable conditions.

The mortar, which the Irish Army described as "historical", was made safe by controlled explosion.