Bomb blast in Armagh

A bomb exploded today in the North, but there was no damage or injuries, police said.

The area around the device on the Friary Road, Armagh, has been sealed off and bomb experts called.

Police Chief Inspector Ken Mawhinney said: "This was a very dangerous act carried out by those with a total disregard for the people of Armagh.

"These people do not care about the possible outcome of their criminal activities, they must be isolated."

He said it was the civic duty of members of the community to give information to the police.

The main July 12 parade for Armagh County was held in the city today. There has been a heightened security presence in the area over the weekend, Ulster Unionist Assembly member Danny Kennedy said.

"Obviously I would strongly condemn it, it is highly provocative and it is an attempt to not only raise tensions but potentially cause injury or death to the security forces or indeed those taking part in the 12th in Armagh.

"It is quite disgraceful."

An Orange Order spokesman said the parade was not affected but buses returning home from the demonstration were diverted.

"This was an extremely disturbing development. The bomb was clearly left there either to kill or cause maximum disruption," he added.

"We would ask anyone with information to pass it to the police as soon as possible so that the culprits can be caught.