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Controlled explosion on 'viable' device

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Newry alert set to continue
A controlled explosion has been carried out on what has been described as a viable explosive device in Magherafelt, Co Londonderry.

A number of homes and businesses had to be evacuated following the discovery of the device in a car park the Kirk Avenue area of the town at 9.45am on Saturday morning.

Army Technical Officers examined the device and carried out a controlled explosion at around 5pm.

The PSNI have condemned the actions of those who planted the device.

A police spokesperson said: "Not only did they jeopardise the safety of the police officers who are serving this community but they also endangered the lives of every member of the public in this area.

"I would also like to extend my thanks to the residents of the area, local church representatives and community leaders for the patience they have shown while we dealt with this alert and also for their support throughout the day", the spokesperson added.

Meanwhile a security alert in the Newry area is still ongoing.

A suspicious object was found near the railway line between Killeen and Meigh on Friday.

Translink were forced to cancel special trains which were due to be provided for rugby fans travelling to the Ireland match in Dublin on Saturday afternoon after the company said it was unlikely normal services would resume in time.

On Friday, multiple alerts caused widespread disruption across Londonderry, Ballymena, Newry and Belfast.

Security operations on the railway line between Central Station and Great Victoria Street, at Forestside, on the Malone Road, Finaghy Road North, Stockman's Lane, Sandyknowles, Fortwilliam, and Wandsworth Road were all declared hoaxes.

© UTV News

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