Residents evacuated after pipe bomb thrown at house in ‘reckless attack’

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

A number of people were evacuated from their homes after a pipe bomb was thrown at a house in Co Down.

Police have appealed for information following the incident in the Watsons Road area of Newry.

A PSNI statement said: “Detectives are now investigating a report of criminal damage after a pipe bomb was thrown at a property in the area at approximately 7.20pm on Sunday.

“Thankfully, no injuries were reported following what was an extremely reckless attack.

A security alert in the Watsons Road area of Newry on Sunday evening, 12th November has ended. Detectives are now investigating a report of criminal damage after a pipe bomb was thrown at a property. pic.twitter.com/LIPZtpcrz0

— Police Newry, Mourne and Down (@PSNINMDown) November 13, 2023

“However, damage was caused to a vehicle which was parked in the driveway of the house.

“ATO attended the scene and the device has now been removed for further forensic examination.”

The statement added: “A number of people who were evacuated from their homes as a precaution have since been allowed to return and the road has fully reopened.

“Our investigation is now under way and anyone with information which could assist with enquiries or has CCTV, dash-cam or mobile footage of what happened, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1341 12/11/23.”