‘Viable’ pipe bomb found in Steeple
A ‘VIABLE’ pipebomb has been made safe by the army following a security alert in Antrim.
A number of homes in the Mallusk Gardens area of the Steeple estate were evacuated for a time on Tuesday following the discovery.
Police have said the viable pipe bomb type device has been taken away for further examination.
Local councillors have condemned those responsible.
Alliance Councillor Neil Kelly hit out at the inconvenience caused to residents in the Steeple area.
“I completely condemn those behind this latest security alert. This type of behaviour is totally unacceptable,” Cllr. Kelly said.
He added: “The annoyance and inconvenience caused to residents in the area is completely unacceptable and must not be allowed to continue.
“Those behind this despicable act are irresponsible and must be apprehended as soon as possible. I would appeal for anyone with information to come forward and contact the PSNI.
“Thankfully on this occasion no-one has been hurt.”
Similar sentiments were shared by the UUP’s Drew Ritchie who slammed the disruption caused by the incident.
“Many families had to leave their homes on a wet and cold afternoon and disruption was caused throughout the area,” Alderman Ritchie said.
He added: “This continued for a number of hours and caused stress and hardship to all especially elderly, ill and the very young.
“These type of incidents are not part of an normal society and we all must work to help move communities forward. Any information regards the incident should be given to the police.”
The DUP’s Brian Graham and Trevor Clarke spoke of their disgust at the latest finding of a pipe bomb in Antrim.
“Incidents of this kind need to stop immediately, and it is time people moved on from involvement in this mindless activity,” Cllr. Clarke said.
He added: “The police have confirmed that this was a viable pipe bomb type device, which they removed for further examination.
“It is sickening to think of the terrible consequences had this pipe bomb detonated in a populated area.”
Cllr. Clarke also appealed for calm and added: “I would appeal for cool heads at this time, and for anyone who has information about this incident, or other incidents of this nature which have occurred in recent weeks, to contact the police immediately.
“There is no place for this kind of wreckless behaviour in our community, especially when the vast majority of people in South Antrim are committed to peace, and living as law abiding citizens in a democratic society.”
Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact CID in Newtownabbey on 0845 600 8000. Or if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Weather for Antrim
Saturday 25 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 10 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
