A pipe bomb exploded after being thrown at the house of a young family in south Armagh overnight.
Detectives in Newry are investigating the explosion that occurred in Mullaghbawn in the early hours of Friday, June 27.
Detective Sergeant Johnston said: “At approximately 1am this morning, police received a report of a loud explosion outside a property in the Sliabh Mor area.
“It is believed at this time that a device in the form of a pipe bomb was thrown at the front of a house around 12.30am which subsequently exploded causing substantial damage to windows and an outdoor railing.
“The occupants of property are a young family who were fortunately not harmed, though they are understandably left shocked and shaken by this incident.
“Devices of this type can cause damage over a wide area causing destruction far beyond any intended target.
“The device has been taken away for further examination and detectives are keen to establish a motive for the attack.
“Enquiries are continuing and we would appeal to anyone who saw any persons or vehicles acting suspiciously in the area, or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 58 of 27/06/25.”
“Alternatively, information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”
Sinn Féin Cllr Aine Quinn has condemned those behind a suspect device which has caused disruption in the Slíabh Mor area in Mullaghbawn and described their actions as reckless.
The local Councillor said: “This reckless action has caused serious distress amongst the wider community as well as severe disruption”.
MLA for the area, Aoife Finnegan, commenting on the alert, said: “This alert is ongoing and the police are investigating the circumstances behind this incident. Those criminal gangs involved need to get off the backs of our local communities.Anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area should report it.”
Ulster Unionist Councillor David Taylor also condemned the incident.
“The attack on the home of a young family has no doubt caused great shock and concern to them and indeed the local community.
“The perpetrators of this sinister attack have placed the lives and welfare of the young family involved and indeed neighbouring properties at serious risk. Their actions have been completely reckless.
“I would appeal to anyone with information that could help bring those responsible to justice to contact the Police as soon as possible as they undertake their investigations into the incident.”
Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty commented: “Mullaghbawn is an idyllic rural village situated in the heart of the Ring of Gullion, an area steeped in history, culture and mythology. This sort of incident is totally out of character with the locality and the community.
“This was an absolutely recklessly dangerous attack on an innocent young family and the community. It’s absolutely sickening that a family home with young children in bed would be targeted in this way and it is extremely lucky that nobody was injured in this incident or worse. It was a terribly frightening experience for the family who I spoke with and who are understandably shaken.
“People in Mullaghbawn are shocked and angered that this has happened. They feel they should be able to live safely in their homes without experiencing this type of attack.
“Those responsible for carrying out this attack did so without care for this young family or their neighbours and they must be held responsible for their actions. I would urge anyone with any information to come forward to police.”
