Suspected explosive device found under soldier’s car in Armagh

Army bomb disposal experts are examining a suspected explosive device found under a soldier's car in Northern Ireland.

It is understood a controlled explosion has been carried out on the item which was discovered beneath the female soldier’s car in Portadown, Co Armagh.

A number of houses in the rural Corbracky Road area were evacuated during the security alert.

If the item is confirmed as a viable explosive device, dissident republicans opposed to the peace process will be blamed.

Upper Bann MP David Simpson condemned those behind the alert.

“This is very alarming news from the PSNI this evening and my thoughts are with the individual who is dealing with this very distressing situation,” he said.

The DUP representative added: “This is a serving female member of the Army.

“This incident reminds us that a small group of people remain dedicated to dragging Northern Ireland backwards.”

PA