Gardaí hold five in connection with bomb discovery

Five men are being held by gardaí tonight after the discovery of an explosive device in a car in Waterford city.

A Defence Forces spokesman said the viable improvised explosive device was dismantled and made safe at the scene.

“The remains of the device have been handed over to gardaí for investigation,” he added.

“The area was declared safe at 5pm.”

The five – all aged in their mid 20s – were arrested by gardaí after their car was stopped in the city at around 2.15pm.

Concerned officers called the Army bomb disposal team and evacuated off the Catherine Street and Bolton Street area.

It is understood Waterford District Court, which is on Catherine Street, was also adjourned for the afternoon.

A garda spokesman said the five are being questioned in Waterford city and Tramore garda stations under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.

They can be held for 72 hours.