Residents evacuated in security operation
SUSPICIOUS DEVICE MADE SAFE AS RESIDENTS EVACUATED FROM HOMES
GARDAI are investigating the discovery of a ‘pipe bomb’ in a residential area of the town last week.
A man in his 20s made the discovery in Blackwater Court around 1am on Friday morning last, sparking the evacuation of nine houses nearby.
Residents were evacuated as army bomb disposal experts arrived at the scene.
The device, which was later confirmed as viable, was decommissioned and made safe.
Residents were then allowed to return to their homes shortly after 5a.m
The components of the device were handed over to gardaí and a full investigation is underway.
A garda spokesman said it was ‘ very fortunate that it was an adult and not a child’ who picked up the device which had the potential to cause injury.
He appealed to the public to report any suspicious items or packages to the gardai, and not to lift them.
Anyone with information about the incident is being asked to contact Dundalk Garda Station at (042) 9388400 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.
Meanwhile, gardai are investigating a mugging along the Navvy Bank on Friday night last.
A 30 year old man was on the walkway when he was approached by another male, who made threats and demanded he hand over his mobile phone, a gold chain, and a small amount of cash.
Enquiries are also ongoing after a theft from a delivery van in Carlingford last week.
The van was parked along Tholsel Street at 11am on Friday last when the driver went to deliver bread to a local premises. When he returned his mobile phone was missing from the vehicle.
A man was stopped and searched by gardai along the Coes Road on suspicion of drug possession.
The 32 year old, who was questioned by gardai, was alleged to have been carrying a small amount of cannabis.