'Controlled explosion' after viable device found in Newry

A suspicious object has been detonated by army and police experts in Newry.

Detectives say the device could easily have exploded if picked up by a member of the public or a child.

Families were forced to seek refuge at Newry Leisure Centre while the explosion was being carried out in the Ashgrove Road area yesterday (Saturday).

Newry, Mourne & Down District Commander, Superintendent Norman Haslett said: "As part of our public safety operation, a number of homes were evacuated. Some of the residents affected made use of the local leisure centre, as facilitated by the local Council. As of this time, most of the families have returned home and any roads closed have reopened.

"Our enquiries are continuing and we are working to establish who is responsible for what can only be described as a reckless act. This device could easily have detonated, or have been picked up by anyone, including children. Someone could have suffered serious injury.

"As we continue with our investigation, I want to thank everyone inconvenienced by the alert. In particular, I want to thank the 15 families who had to leave their homes as we worked to make the scene safe."

Superintendent Haslett is appealing to anyone who has information which could help the police investigation to call 101 and quote reference number 1114 of 20/02/21.

A report can also be submitted via or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Local reaction

Local Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has condemned those responsible for the security alert.

She said the device "put residents’ lives at risk".

"This was a viable device, a controlled explosion has been carried out.

She said five families had to use the emergency shelter facilities on offer at Newry Leisure Centre.

"Families have had to be evacuated from their homes on a cold winter afternoon as a result of this alert.

"Those responsible for this device have nothing to offer and this is an attack on the entire community at a time when we should all be working together in the face of the public health crisis caused by COVID."

SDLP MLA Justin McNulty said: “Those responsible for this device don’t care about people in our community.

"People living here don’t want this, they don’t want to return to the murder, mayhem and tragedy of the past. This kind of reckless activity has no place in Newry or anywhere.

“I would appeal to anyone with information to come forward to police. We cannot let mindless thugs dominate our communities. This is a time for us all to come together again and reject those intent on violence."