THE BOMB THAT killed the young PSNI constable Ronan Kerr was housed in a small lunch box-style container, police have said.

Yesterday a senior detective said the bomb comprised less than 500g of explosives and was fitted to the bottom of Constable Kerr’s car.

It was believed to be a mix of old and new bomb-making technology and may have been detonated using what is known as a mercury-tilt switch or remote detonation, the Irish News reports today.

A timer had been fitted but police believe this may have been a back-up way to detonate the bomb, which may have been planted up to two days before it exploded. The bomb killed Constable Kerr almost immediately.

Superintendent Raymond Murray appealed yesterday for information that might help capture the killers and said that police are working to build a minute-by-minute picture of activity in the Highfield area where Constable Kerr lived. This requires the details of every person who entered the estate in the days leading up to the explosion.

No paramilitary group has yet admitted responsibility for the murder in Omagh, Co Tyrone, at 4pm on Saturday

Yesterday Cardinal Sean Brady said that Catholics should not be discouraged from joining the PSNI and should actively support it.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said that he was as proud of young Catholic officers as Nuala Kerr is of her murdered son. He made the comments while standing with Justice Minister David Ford, First Minister Peter Robinson, and Chief Constable Matt Baggott.

The Irish News carries an interview with Constable Kerr’s grandfather, John Kerr, who said that the family worried about him every day.

His grandfather was not told that he had joined the police for several months and said that he noticed Ronan’s mother Nuala Kerr “seemed to be worrying every day”.

Constable Kerr had been a member of GAA team Beragh Red Knights GAC and yesterday the GAA described the murder as an attack on the GAA itself.

Meanwhile, Ronan’s brother Cathair thanked people over Twitter for their messages of support.

I just want to thank every1 for their kind heartfelt msgs of support. We are heartbroken,but feeling strong with your help. God bless u all.

Constable Kerr’s Requiem Mass will be celebrated in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Beragh, at midday tomorrow (Wednesday) with burial in Drumduff cemetery afterwards.

Read more in today’s The Irish News.