A number of residents were evacuated from their homes in Bessbrook following a suspected pipe bomb explosion on Thursday night.
The incident happened at the John F Kennedy Park area of the village shortly before 11pm.
Inspector Campbell said: “Shortly before 10:50pm, it was reported that neighbours heard a loud bang in the area. Police arrived at the scene and the remains of a suspected pipe bomb was discovered, which is believed to have caused scorch damage to a window of a nearby property. At this stage, there are no reports of any injuries.
“A number of homes have been evacuated as a safety precaution, to allow police to conduct a public safety operation in the area.
“Enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and police would appeal to anyone with any information to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 1997 27/01/22. A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.
“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
Commenting on the incident, Newry & Armagh William Irwin MLA, stated: “This is a concerning incident and by accounts it looks as though some type of pipe bomb type device has exploded and scattered debris, however thankfully reports have stated there are no injuries.
“The explosion has necessitated residents living close by to be moved from their homes. Obviously this is something that is not wanted in any village let alone Bessbrook and I would urge the public to assist the PSNI in their inquiries in to this incident as those behind this suspected pipe bomb attack must be apprehended.”
