Devices found at head shops were viable, says Army

The two objects found outside headshops in Athlone were viable improvised explosive devices, the Army said today.

"Following a request from the Gardaí an Army Bomb Disposal Team deployed to the Irishtown area of Athlone Town to examine two suspect devices," said an Army statement.

"Following an examination of both devices it was decided that they should be made safe and removed to a safe location for further examination."

The devices were then deemed viable by the Bomb Disposal Officer. The remains have been handed over to the Gardaí for further investigation.

The Army Bomb Disposal Team arrived on scene at 10.20am and the scene was declared safe at 11.25am.

These are the sixth and seventh viable improvised explosive devices made safe by Army Bomb Disposal Teams so far this year.