Crude devices ‘could have caused serious harm’

Chief Superintendent Andy Freeburn, South Area Commander said: “I can confirm that both areas have now been made safe and we have removed two devices for forensic examination.

“These devices were of crude construction, but could have caused serious harm. We are at the very early stages of an investigation and are keeping an open mind as to the motivation.

“I would like to thank local communities for their support and patience as we worked to keep people safe.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who may have noticed any unusual activity or anything out of the ordinary in either the Newtown Road area of Camlough or in the vicinity of Milltown, Maghery prior to 22 March. Please call us on 101 or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Local SDLP Councillor Eamon McNeill, along with MLA Dolores Kelly, have been heavily involved in liaising with police and the local community during the Maghery alert - which began on Monday night (March 22).

Cllr McNeill welcomed the fact the device in Maghery had been made safe but expressed his concerns it had been left in the area in the first place.

He described those responsible as ‘mindless’ and added: “I totally condemn this incident, as any right thinking person would.

“My thoughts are with the residents and businesses in the area whose lives have been so severely disrupted.”

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