A roadside bomb thought to have been planted by dissident republicans in the North was finally defused tonight, four days after it was discovered.
The device was found at Wattlebridge near Newtownbutler in Co Fermanagh on saturday after two separate bomb warnings.
Police said tonight a viable device with the potential to kill or maim had been dismantled by the army and taken away for forensic examination.
It was the latest in a series of bombs aimed at killing the security forces — Police Service of Northern Ireland chief constable Sir Hugh Orde has been warning for months that dissidents were trying to kill his officers despite the peace process.
Local police commander, chief superintendent Michael Skuce, said: "This was a deliberate attempt to murder police and military personnel. But it could also have killed or injured local people.
"The terrorists who planted this bomb do not care who they kill. It was wholly indiscriminate."
He said he wanted to thank the people of the south Fermanagh area for their forbearance while the search and clearance operation was carried out.
"We welcome their support. We now need to catch the people who left this murderous device," he said.
He added: "Local police are working closely with detectives from Crime Operations Department in the investigation.
"The terrorists must be isolated. They have nothing to offer the people of Northern Ireland.
"Everyone else has moved on. They refuse to see or accept that fact. I would encourage anyone with any information which can bring those responsible to justice or help disrupt their activities to contact police immediately."
PA