Bomb explodes near PSNI officers in Co Fermanagh
Bomb disposal officers had been in the area at the weekend responding to reports that a device had been left there.
Last updated 19th Aug 2019
The PSNI believe a bomb attack close to Newtownbutler was a deliberate attempt to lure police into the area to murder them.
Army bomb disposal officers and police were at the scene when the explosion happened on Wattle Bridge at 10.35am on Monday morning.
No one was injured.
Bomb disposal officers had been in the area at the weekend responding to reports that a device had been left there.
That item was ultimately declared a hoax but it is understood another device exploded close-by on Monday when a bomb disposal team attended to review the scene.
Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin said: "At around 10.35am this morning police officers at the scene have reported an explosion in the area of the Cavan Road at its junction with the Wattlebridge Road.
"There are no reports of any injuries and officers are investigating the cause of the explosion.
"Police had received a report that a suspect device had been left in the area of Wattle Bridge on Saturday evening. The area was secured by police and a full clearance operation began on Sunday morning.
"The initial report received by police indicated that a device had been left on the Wattlebridge Road however the explosion occurred on the main A3 Cavan Road.
"While this investigation is at a very early stage I am of the firm belief this was a deliberate attempt to lure police and ATO colleagues into the area to murder them.
"Although this device was intended to kill police and army personnel the fact that it was placed on a main road the result could well have been devastating for anyone in the immediate vicinity."
The finger of suspicion will again point to dissident republicans opposed to the peace process.
There will be suspicions the hoax device was part of a booby trap plan to bring security forces into the area prior to the detonation of the viable device.
Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew condemned those responsible.
"This morning's bomb attack in Wattle Bridge was totally wrong,'' said the Sinn Fein representative.
"Thankfully no-one was injured in this incident but we could have been dealing with a situation where people were seriously injured or worse.
"Those responsible for this incident have nothing to offer society and need to end these actions immediately.
"Anyone with information on this should bring it forward to the PSNI."