Viable device made safe in Athlone

The army has made safe an explosive device in Athlone.

Gardaí were called to the scene at a house in Slí an Choiste in Monksland at around 8.15am today.

It is understood the viable improvised explosive device was found directly outside a home in the estate.

Gardaí sealed off the property and were forced to evacuate four houses in the surrounding area.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit removed the device from the scene this lunchtime and took it to waste ground nearby where it has been made safe by a controlled explosion.

It will now undergo forensic examination.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone who may have scene anything suspicious in the area overnight to come forward.