Mortar Type Device Found In Co Armagh

Police have confirmed that a suspicious object found in County Armagh is a mortar type device.

Army technical experts are continuing to make the device safe, according to the PSNI.

The Sheetrim Road is closed between the junctions of Bog Road and Kiltybane Road. The Lisleitrim Road was closed for a short time on Tuesday, but has since been reopened.

SDLP Assembly Member for Newry and Armagh Dominic Bradley MLA has condemned those responsible for leaving what appears to be a viable device in Cullyhanna which is the subject of an on-going Police operation in South Armagh.

Mr Bradley said: "Those responsible for leaving these devices in Cullyhanna are both reckless and irresponsible; they have neither concern for human life nor the community of South Armagh. 

"The people of Cullyhanna, South Armagh and indeed the people of this Island want to be left in peace. Instead those responsible still live in some warped existence of the past.

"There is palpable anger in the local community. This community don't want this level of disruption as they go about their everyday lives. The community are relieved there have been no deaths or serious injury and they want those responsible to stop immediately.

"I would appeal for anyone who knows anything to come forward to the police so we can ensure those responsible are caught and face the full rigorous of the law for their actions."

(CD/JP)