Social Democratic and Labour Party MLA Justin McNulty has said that residents in the Ashgrove Road area of Newry have been evacuated from their homes as police and army deal with a viable device.

Justin McNulty MLA said:

“Residents in the Ashgrove Road area, the elderly and young families have been forced from their homes this evening into the wind and the rain as police and army deal with a viable device.

“Those responsible for this device don’t care about people in our community, People living here don’t want this, they don’t want to return to the murder, mayhem and tragedy of the past. This kind of reckless activity has no place in Newry or anywhere.

“I would appeal to anyone with information to come forward to police. We cannot let mindless thugs dominate our communities. This is a time for us all to come together again and reject those intent on violence.

“I hope the area can be made safe as quickly as possible so the elderly and families can return to their homes.”