Northern Ireland

Police said child was playing close to 'viable pipe bomb' found in garden of Newry house

Police have appealed for information
Police have appealed for information Police have appealed for information

POLICE have revealed that a young child had been playing close to where a viable pipe bomb device was found in the front garden of a house in Newry.

In a statement, police said the consequences "could have been serious" after the device was discovered in the Barcroft Park area on Wednesday.

A PSNI spokesman said police attended the scene shortly before 5.30pm following the discover of a suspicious device.

"Officers attended and the object was taken away for forensic examination," he said.

“We believe that this was a viable pipe bomb and our enquiries to establish when it was left in the garden are ongoing.

"The reporting party had moved into the property just a few days previously and this has been a very distressing experience for her.

"A young child was playing in the area in which the device was found and we are thankful that he escaped any injury; however we are aware that the consequences of leaving this in the area could have been serious.

"We would appeal to anyone with information in relation to this reckless incident to contact us on 101."