An improvised shotgun has been found in Longford

By John Fallon

The Army Bomb Disposal team have discovered an improvised shotgun in a cemetary in Longford.

The Defence Forces were deployed when a suspect device was found in a cemetary in Ballymaccormick Co. Longford.

It is the second time within 48 hours for the Unit to deal with incidents in Longford town.

The alarm was raised following the discovery of what is believed to have been an improvised device on the outskirts of Longford town at about midday.

An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from Athlone immediately travelled to the location at Ballymacormack Cemetery on the outskirts of Longford town.

Gardai were also at the scene which was cordoned off before the Army Unit rendered the device safe. It was not clear if the device was viable or if it had been planted deliberately.

On Wednesday evening bomb disposal officers dealt with a device which was discovered outside a house at Shroid on the Dublin side of Longford town. The area was cleared after it became apparent that it was a viable device.

The unit eventually rendered it safe and Garda investigations into both incidents are continuing.