Hospital expected to release bomb disposal officer

A man in his thirties is being questioned by Gardaí over the discovery of an improvised explosive device in Cork city last night.

It was found under a vehicle in Ballyvolane and went off while it was being made safe, injuring one member of the Army bomb disposal squad who was taken to Cork University Hospital.

The Defence Forces have said that the officer remains in hospital, but his injuries are described as minor, including cuts, bruises and flash injuries.

He is expected to be released later today.

A number of local residents were evacuated from their houses during the operation and they have all now returned to their homes.

Defence Forces spokesman Denis Hanly has said another member of the bomb disposal crew had to deal with the device after his colleague was injured.