Dissidents blamed over bomb find

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A bomb find in Craigavon is being linked to dissident republicans.

The police were attacked as they removed 400lbs of home-made explosives found near the Drumbeg Road roundabout on Tuesday.

Stones, bottles, petrol bombs and fireworks were thrown at PSNI vehicles during their operation, which started after reports of suspicious activity.

There were no injuries. So far police have made no arrests over either the find or the attacks which followed.

The security operation began at about 0600 BST on Tuesday.

Regardless of where this emanates from it must be dealt with - that could have been a massive bomb Stephen Moutray, DUP

Stephen Moutray, a DUP assembly member for the area, said the discovery of bomb making material is deeply worrying.

"The security assessment would be that it's dissident republicans," Mr Moutray said.

"Regardless of where this emanates from it must be dealt with - that could have been a massive bomb."

Chief Inspector Pauline Shields condemned those who attacked the police.

"I am appealing to those who continue to throw petrol bombs and other missiles to think about the lives they are putting in danger," she said.

"Not only are they risking the lives of officers who are simply trying to do their jobs, but they are risking the lives of their own community.

"The very fact that we recovered, what we believe to be, home-made explosives from the area also demonstrates that there are still a minority who are intent on harm and destruction."

The explosives have been removed from the scene and are being examined.