Alliance Westminster candidate Jackie Coade has said whoever was responsible for the explosive device found in Newry were playing with the lives of local people.

Jackie Coade said: “Whoever left these components for an explosive device in Violet Hill Avenue were playing with the lives of local people. It is frightening to think that a child picked up this device. Had an explosion occurred, the consequences could have been fatal.

“The individuals responsible for this must be condemned in the strongest possible terms and I would urge anyone with information to pass it to the police on the 101 number as quickly as possible or anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”