24/10/2013

Device Was 'Designed To Kill Police'

Police have said a pipe bomb which was found during a security alert in Co Antrim was designed to kill police officers.

Around 10pm on Wednesday, police received a phone call to say a device had been thrown at a patrol in Mill Road, Newtownabbey.

A number of homes in the area were evacuated after midnight, and during a search, two suspicious objects were discovered. One of the objects was declare a hoax while the second was a viable device.

Following the alert, the Mill Road was re-opened to traffic and residents were allowed to return to their homes shortly before 5am on Thursday.

Chief Inspector Stephen Reid, who is Area Commander of Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus, said: "This device was clearly designed to kill police officers and we are very fortunate no-one was killed or injured. Had it exploded it could have killed or maimed anyone close by, police offices or local people alike.

"Those responsible showed total disregard for the local community and put the lives of local people in the area at risk."

He also reassured local residents that the PSNI would not be deterred by the attack.

(JP/CD)

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