A VIABLE EXPLOSIVE device was found during a search of a street in Lurgan today.

A PSNI security alert took place in the Sloan Street area of Lurgan, during which the bomb squad examined a suspicious object.

They declared it to be a viable explosive device and it was taken away for further examination.

Police believe that dissident republicans were responsible for leaving the device.

Chief Inspector Anthony McNally, Area Commander for Craigavon, condemned those responsible, and said the device “was designed to kill or maim anyone close by, police officers or local people alike”.

Those responsible showed blatant disregard for the local community and put the lives of local people, indeed local children at risk. We are very fortunate no-one was killed or injured.

He thanked local residents and the wider community for their patience and support throughout the operation and reassured them that the PSNI will “not be deterred by this attack”.

Detectives from Serious Crime Branch are appealing to anyone who has any information about this attack to contact them at Castlereagh on 0845 600 8000.

Information can be given anonymously by telephoning Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.