Police in Northern Ireland are appealing for information following the discovery of a viable device in Co Armagh this morning.
PSNI district commander chief superintendent Alasdair Robinson, said police were alerted to the object, discovered on the Friary Road in Armagh, by a member of the local community late last night.
He said the object was a viable explosive device capable of causing serious injury or death, adding “I have no doubt the aim was to kill police officers engaged in providing a community service to the area”.
The road was immediately closed and a number of nearby houses were evacuated. A security alert in the area has now ended and the road has re-opened.
Chief superintendent Robinson said “those who operate under various flags of convenience are simply terrorists and criminals who wish to drag everyone back to the dark days of the past by using violence as a so-called political tool".
Anyone who has any information that could assist police with their enquiries is urged to call 0845 600 8000.