Pipe bomb sparks Newtownabbey security alert
Police were called to a house on Arthur Avenue this morning.
A pipe bomb has been found in a Newtownabbey security alert.
The viable device has been recovered from the scene and taken away for forensic examination.
Residents evacuated during the alert in the Arthur Avenue area have been allowed to return home.
PSNI inspector Arnie O'Neill urged witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
"A viable pipe bomb type device has been recovered and taken away for further examination,'' he said.
Councillor Michael Goodman condemned those responsible.
"This attack was wrong and must be utterly condemned,'' said the Sinn Fein representative.
"It has brought nothing but disruption to the local community, with residents being evacuated from their homes.
"Those responsible have nothing to offer the community.
"Anyone with information on this attack should bring it forward to the PSNI.''
Amd Alliance Newtownabbey Councillor Billy Webb said:
“This alert caused massive upheaval on a Sunday morning for many residents and those behind it must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Their actions achieve nothing except causing annoyance to the vast majority of people,” said Councillor Webb.
“The area is close to a playground and has many children living there, so this incident could have had even more severe consequences. I am grateful to the authorities involved in dealing with matter, including the Council for putting their emergency plan into operation by evacuating residents to the Valley Leisure Centre.
“If anyone has any information on the people behind this device, I urge them to go to police immediately."