LAST UPDATE | 29 Jun 2022

DETECTIVES AND BOMB disposal experts in a search at a house in Cork found hazardous chemicals purchased on line that they suspect could be used to manufacture explosives.

Sources have said members of the Special Detective Unit along with members of the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team were at the scene on College Road near University College Cork.

It is understood that the SDU officers were alerted after a man made several purchases of chemicals on line – at least one of the substances is suspected to be explosives. 

That has been taken away to be examined by experts – no arrests have been made. The City Council has also assisted in removing chemicals for disposal – all of which, it is suspected by gardaí, were bought on line.

Forensic specialists were also in the house and dressed in protective clothing. 

The gardaí also called the Fire Service who attended the scene this afternoon.

The area is popular with rental properties for students attending UCC.

A garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí and the EOD are currently at a property on College Road, Cork, where it is understood a number of potentially hazardous chemicals are present.

“There are presently some minor diversions in place in the immediate vicinity.

“There is no hazard to the public at the current time.”

A spokesperson for the Irish Defence Forces explained their involvement in the operation after a request from gardaí to investigate hazardous material.

“The team arrived at the scene at approximately 1pm.

On arrival a cordon was established and maintained for the duration of the operation. Tests were carried out on samples of a chemical which was identified at the scene. A sample was identified as needing further exploitation and removed form the scene for further testing. The situation is continuing. 

“Should members of the public encounter suspicious items, or hazardous substances, they are advised to maintain a safe distance and inform An Garda Síochána,” he said.