LAST UPDATE | 6 hrs ago

GARDAÍ AND ARMY bomb disposal experts dealt with a suspected explosive device at a house in Limerick. 

The incident in the early hours of this morning began when gardaí found what appeared to be an improvised explosive device near a property in the Pike Avenue area of the city which is close to Garryowen. 

Gardaí have in recent weeks been dealing with a violent feud between two groups in the city which has included a serious arson attack on a house in Garryowen. 

It is believed this morning’s discovery is linked to that feud.

The device find was made outside the home of a person who is not linked to any of the criminals in the ongoing dispute and has no connection to crime.

Multiple sources said gardaí believe it is a case of mistaken identity and that the intended target was living nearby.

It is understood that the bomb disposal team used a robot to deal with the suspected device and when it was examined they determined that it was not capable of exploding. 

An Irish Defence Forces spokesman confirmed that bomb disposal experts attended at the scene. 

“Early this morning, bomb disposal experts from the Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team responded to a request for assistance from An Garda Síochána in relation to a suspected explosive device found in the Limerick city area.

“A cordon was put in place for the security and protection of residents in the area. Following an assessment of the device the EOD team it was found that the device was non-viable and has been handed over to AGS for investigation. The scene has now been reopened and this operation has concluded,” he said. 

A garda spokesman said that gardaí arrived at the scene at 1.30am.

“Gardaí responded to reports of criminal damage to a parked car in the Garryowen area of Limerick shortly after 1:30 am this morning. While attending to the incident, a suspect device was discovered under the vehicle.

“A cordon was established and the Army EOD unit attended at the scene. The device was deemed non-viable and the cordon was subsequently lifted. No additional information is available at this time. Investigations are ongoing,” he said.