Northern Ireland

Man injured in Craigavon explosion arrested on suspicion of attempted murder

Police at the scene of an explosion in the Enniskeen area of Craigavon. Picture by Hugh Russell
Police at the scene of an explosion in the Enniskeen area of Craigavon. Picture by Hugh Russell Police at the scene of an explosion in the Enniskeen area of Craigavon. Picture by Hugh Russell

A man injured in an explosion in Co Armagh has been arrested by police on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of an explosive device with intent to endanger life.

Police were called to the area of Enniskeen in Craigavon at around 9.30pm yesterday following a report of an explosion.

Officers who arrived at the scene found a man, who was being treated by paramedics for "injuries received after the device exploded".

The explosion happened at the rear of a house in the area.

A PSNI spokesman said: "A number of homes were evacuated and a scene held to allow officers to examine the area fully and to ensure the safety of local residents.

"The injured man, who has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of an explosive device with intent to endanger life, currently remains in hospital receiving treatment for his injuries which are described as not life threatening.

"Remnants of a pipe bomb type device have been taken away for forensic examination".

SDLP councillor Thomas Larkham said: "This is the last thing that anyone in Enniskeen wants or needs".

"This is a close knit community full of people trying to get on with their lives during a difficult time for us all," he said.

DUP MP Carla Lockhart described what had happened as " a very worrying development".

"Obviously information is key to answering all the questions as to what happened in Enniskeen, and I would appeal for anyone with information to come forward to the police with that information," she said.

"Those who cause hurt and disruption in our communities must be brought to justice".

Alliance Party councillor Eóin Tennyson said: "Those behind this have nothing to offer only misery and destruction".