Police at the scene of an ongoing security operation near Newtownbutler have confirmed that a bomb has exploded.
At around 10.35am this morning (Monday), police reported an explosion in the area of the Cavan Road at its junction with the Wattlebridge Road.
Police believe that the bomb was a ‘deliberate attempt to lure police and ATO colleagues into the area to murder them.’
There are no reports of any injuries and officers are investigating the cause of the explosion.
A police spokesman said, “Police had received a report that a suspect device had been left in the area of Wattle Bridge on Saturday evening. The area was secured by police and a full clearance operation began on Sunday morning. The initial report received by police indicated that a device had been left on the Wattlebridge Road however the explosion occurred on the main A3 Cavan Road. Although this device was intended to kill police and army personnel the fact that it was placed on a main road the result could well have been devastating for anyone in the immediate vicinity.”
The spokesman continued, “I ask that anyone who may be able to help our investigation and identify the perpetrators of this sinister and potentially murderous attack to please come forward. You can call us on 101 or if you would prefer information can be given anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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