Loughguile security alert: object confirmed as viable pipe bomb

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A security alert in Loughguile is continuing

By Q Radio News

A viable pipe bomb has been found in the north Antrim village Loughguile as a security alert continues for a second day. 

The bomb was discovered attached to a car in the Tullyview area yesterday morning and was made safe by army bomb experts.

Police say cordons have been greatly reduced in the area as officers work to make the area safe.

Inspector O'Brien said:

"Shortly after 8.50am on Sunday, January 16, police received and responded to a report that a device had been left in the area.

“The object, which was located in the Tullyview area, has been declared as a small, viable pipe bomb type device and was made safe by ammunition technical officers. It has since been taken away for further forensic examinations.

“Cordons have now been greatly reduced and I am keen to reiterate our gratitude to local people, and all those inconvenienced, for their patience as we work to make the area safe. 

"This was a completely reckless act and those responsible have shown a blatant disregard for the lives of others. Their actions are reprehensible and are not supported by the local community. 

Tullyview area of Loughguile in north Antrim at the scene of the incident

"It is thanks to the assistance of members of the public and the attending services that no injuries were sustained or damage caused as a result of this.

"At this stage, we believe that the device may have been left sometime between the evening of Saturday, January 15 into the morning of Sunday, January 16.

"Our enquiries continue as we work to establish a motive and we would appeal to anyone with information, or who witnessed anything suspicious, to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 459 of 16/01/22.”

Sinn Fein MLA Philip McGuigan has condemned the disruption caused to Loughguile residents as a result of the security alert:

North Antrim DUP MLA and Chair of the Assembly Justice Committee Mervyn Storey has also commented on the incident.

"I have spoken to senior police and I trust it will soon be established all the circumstances regarding this particular incident.

"Whoever and for whatever purpose this device was placed on this vehicle, it was a reckless and needless action.

"I would appeal to anyone with information to give it to the police so that those responsible can be brought before the courts."

Cordons have been put in place in the surrounding area but are significantly reducing

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