26/11/2019

Child Picks Up Bomb Components In Newry

Component parts of a bomb that sparked a security alert in Newry were picked up by a child, it has emerged.

The Alliance Party has condemned those responsible for planting the device and exposing the child to potentially fatal consequences.

A number of homes in the Violet Hill Avenue area were evacuated for some time during the 24-hour security alert that began on Sunday 24 November.

The police operation ended on Monday afternoon after bomb disposal experts carried out a controlled explosion.

The items were removed for further forensic examination, with all roads reopened.

Alliance Westminster candidate Jackie Coade said those behind the device are playing with the lives of local people.

"It is frightening to think that a child picked up this device. Had an explosion occurred, the consequences could have been fatal," Ms Coade said.

"The individuals responsible for this must be condemned in the strongest possible terms and I would urge anyone with information to pass it to the police on the 101 number as quickly as possible or anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111."



(JG/CM)

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