Explosive device left at Northern Ireland police station

An explosive device was left outside a police station in Northern Ireland.

The viable explosive was discovered last night on waste ground near Strabane station in Co Tyrone, following a telephone bomb warning early yesterday morning.

Homes in the area were evacuated as Army bomb disposal experts removed the object for further examination.

The finger of blame will again point at dissident republican elements intent on destabilising the peace process.

Police Service of Northern Ireland Area Commander for Strabane, Ch Insp Andy Lemon condemned those responsible.

"Let us be clear," he said. "Those who placed this device are solely responsible for the disruption and upset that was caused.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank those local residents for their patience and co-operation whilst my officers and Army technical officers made the device safe and ensured they could return to their homes knowing the threat of danger had been removed.

"I unreservedly condemn this action. It is shameful that the people who left this device have such little regard for the local community. This device was in waste ground, near to homes and local life, and had it gone off, we could have been dealing with a very different situation. There could have been serious death or injury caused.

"Those who are responsible have nothing to offer anyone living in this community and I would call on all members of the public to give us the information to detect and bring these criminals to justice. In particular we would like to hear from anyone who observed any suspicious activity in the area over the past few days."

Source: The Belfast Telegraph