Police brand pipe bomb attack in Co Armagh housing estate as "reckless"
The device was left in the John F Kennedy Park area of Bessbrook yesterday evening
Police have branded the placing of a pipe bomb in a housing estate in County Armagh as a “reckless act” and “reprehensible”.
The device which was left in the John F Kennedy Park area of Bessbrook yesterday evening has been made safe by ammunition technical officers.
At the time families were evacuated from their homes and the device is believed to have caused scorch damage to a window of a nearby property.
However, police have said no one was injured.
The PSNI has confirmed the security alert in the area has now ended and the device has since been taken away for further forensic examinations.
Inspector Stevenson said: “Shortly before 10.50pm on Thursday, 27 January, police received and responded to a report that a device had been left in the John F Kennedy Park area.
“A small viable pipe bomb type device was made safe by ammunition technical officers who also carried out searches in the area. The device has since been taken away for further forensic examinations.
“Families in the area who were evacuated as a safety precaution, to allow police to conduct a public safety operation in the area, have since been allowed to return home.
“This was a completely reckless act and those responsible have shown a blatant disregard for the lives of others.
“Their actions are reprehensible and are not supported by the local community.
“I am also keen to thank local people for their support and patience as we worked to ensure the area was safe.
“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/.”
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