Police have discovered what they described as a "horizontal mortar-type device" following a security alert in Armagh City.
Bomb disposal experts were called to deal with a suspicious device in Friary Road on Wednesday night after a member of the public raised the alert.
"It was that information that helped us pinpoint exactly where the device was, so it could be dealt with by bomb disposal experts," District Commander Chief Superintendent Alasdair said.
A number of nearby houses were evacuated.
"The device was then made safe by Army Technical Officers, who have since confirmed that this was a viable explosive device capable of causing serious injury or indeed death."
The bomb, which has been described as a horizontal mortar type device, was not large-scale.
However, it is thought to have included a pipe and a command wire.
Mr Robinson said: "I have no doubt the aim was to kill police officers engaged in providing a community service to the area."
SDLP Mayor of Armagh Thomas O'Hanlon condemned those responsible for the device.
"This is the fourth device or incident of this nature on the Friary Road this year and the local community are sick, sore and tired of the disruption that these incidents cause, not to mention the potential damage to the local area or indeed it could have hurt or killed someone if the device had exploded," he said.
"This is an irresponsible act and must be condemned outright, all it has done is to cause widespread disruption to the people who live and work in this area."
DUP MLA William Irwin also criticised those responsible for leaving the device.
"The PSNI have confirmed the device was viable, and it shows that there is intent shown by those that left the device to cause injury or death to police officers and also cause disruption and present great danger to the public," he said.
The security alert has ended and the Friary Road has been re-opened.
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