Warning after explosive device found on wasteland in North

An explosive device was fired at police in the North but failed to hit its target, officers said tonight.

Members of the public in Newtownbutler, Co Fermanagh, have been placed on high alert following a telephone warning that the device was lying on wasteground near the town.

Dissident republicans in Fermanagh and elsewhere have been blamed for bomb and gun attacks on police in recent times and senior officers have said the threat remains grave.

Chief Superintendent Michael Skuce said: “Calling police two days later and failing to provide any useful details as to the location of the device demonstrates the indifference and disregard these people have for anyone but themselves and their own selfish motives.

“Causing disruption and distress to ordinary decent people at this time of year, when people are preparing and looking forward to Christmas, is despicable.”

Mr Skuce said leaving such a potentially deadly device on open ground where anybody could come into contact with it was totally irresponsible, particularly considering that the school Christmas holidays started today.

“I would like to make a direct call to those involved to provide more specific information as to the location of this device,” he added.

“Let’s not bring misery and destruction to anyone’s door this Christmas. Let your conscience speak louder than your prejudices.”

Officers are conducting an operation and are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward.

People in the Newtownbutler area are also being warned that, if they come across something suspicious or out of place, not to touch it, but to contact their local police station immediately.