A pipe bomb was planted and exploded in Armagh city during the early hours of Sunday morning.
And there has been widespread condemnation of the ‘disgusting’ act.
The Lord Mayor, councillor Darryn Causby has decried those responsible.
“I completely and utterly condemn this despicable act of violence over the weekend in Armagh and am shocked at the disgusting actions of some people in our society today. I am very thankful that we are not dealing with any serious injuries this morning but this reckless attack in a public place was clearly meant to cause harm – and this blatant disregard for human life is truly appalling.
“I would encourage anyone who has any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, concerning the perpetrators to contact the local PSNI without delay. It is imperative that those responsible for this wicked behaviour are brought to justice.”
William Irwin MLA said: “This was a particularly reckless act given that the area is a public place and anyone could have been injured by flying shrapnel from this pipe bomb device.
“Armagh certainly does not need this type of terrorist style activity in the City and I totally condemn those behind the attack and it is a relief that no one was hurt as a result of this explosion.
“I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious, either prior to this device exploding or in the immediate aftermath, to contact the PSNI immediately and assist with their inquiries. It is vital that those behind this incident are quickly apprehended and brought to justice.”
Assembly candidate Justin mcNulty added: “The device and subsequent security alert on Cathedral Road on Sunday caused a lot of disruption to families, businesses and commuters in Armagh. Local residents reported hearing noises, like an explosion in the Cathedral Road area on Saturday Night / Sunday Morning.
“During Sunday’s follow up operation the PSNI confirmed that they discovered component parts of an exploded device and that a number of cars at a dealership were damaged.
“This is an appalling attack on this community, whoever was behind this attack and whatever their motives they are completely misguided. This is an isolated incident and the owner of the business is at a complete loss as to why his business was attacked. This is a quite area which has seen much regeneration over the last number of years and the business people in this area work hard to make their businesses a success and don’t need mindless thugs carrying out these sorts of attacks.’
“The SDLP operate a busy office on Cathedral Road and were asked to ensure tour offices along with other business premises were empty as the security alert was ongoing. I spent some time with local residents who were evacuated as a result of this alert including the Sisters of Charity who run hostel adjacent to our office and they were shaken by the whole experience.
“I would appeal to those responsible to desist from their activities, violence and attacks such as this will get us nowhere. CCTV in the area is believed to have captured those responsible for the attack approaching Cathedral Road, planting the device and then the explosion actually happening. I would also appeal anyone who witnessed the incident or knows anything to come forward as soon as possible.”
Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan said those behind the concerted attacks need to explain their actions.
Mr Boylan said: “Trading conditions are difficult enough without having to endure attacks including a pipe bomb attack, which has damaged several cars.
“The criminals behind this seem intent on forcing people out of business and on to the dole as I believe these attacks are more to do with gangsterism than republicanism.
“I would appeal to anyone with any information to bring it forward to the PSNI immediately.”
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