Pipe Bomb Found Near Kells

A pipe bomb has been found by police on the Tildarg Road near Kells in County Antrim.

The bomb was found wrapped in a plastic bag shortly before 21:00 on Wednesday evening.

It was the second device to be discovered on the same road in a week.

Robin Swann, Ulster Unionist MLA for North Antrim, has condemned those responsible for planting the device.

He said: "This is the second incident of despicable criminal behaviour in the same locality in less than a week. Those responsible seem determined to kill and create as much disruption as possible in what is a quiet rural area.

"As a resident of Kells, I can assure those responsible that they represent no-one in this locality, and whatever it is that they are seeking to do, they are not wanted here.

"There is no place in Kells for anyone who would seek to leave explosive devices lying around and I would ask anyone who knows anything at all about these incidents to please come forward immediately and assist the Police to catch those responsible and ensure they cannot endanger the safety of others."

In a separate incident, a security alert in Ballyclare, County Antrim, has been declared a hoax.

Five homes were evacuated after the Army was called in to examine a suspicious object.

Residents have been allowed to return to their homes.

(IT)