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'Coffee jar device' caused blast | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
An explosive device in a coffee jar caused a security alert during a Remembrance Day service in County Down, police have said. | |
It exploded inside a ceremonial cannon in Newry. No one was injured. | |
Army technical officers examined the cannon and it is thought they found a jar containing fireworks. | |
Chief Superintendent Alan Todd said: "This timed device was intended to disrupt today's parade and cause fear and panic among those attending." | |
He added: "It is absolutely shameful that such an act was carried out on such an emotive and commemorative occasion." | |
Those in attendance said they heard a bang and saw a flash and smoke coming from the cannon just after 1100 GMT. | Those in attendance said they heard a bang and saw a flash and smoke coming from the cannon just after 1100 GMT. |
The area was cordoned off. It is understood the police had been checking the area prior to the blast. | |
Services took place across Northern Ireland | |
DUP assembly member William Irwin said he found the incident "sickening" especially given "the poignancy of the day 20 years on from the bombing of the cenotaph in Enniskillen". | DUP assembly member William Irwin said he found the incident "sickening" especially given "the poignancy of the day 20 years on from the bombing of the cenotaph in Enniskillen". |
The UUP's Danny Kennedy described the attack as "quite despicable" and said it had been a "very frightening experience for those present". | |
Sinn Fein MLA Mickey Brady said: "People and communities should be allowed to commemorate and remember their dead in peace, without hindrance and in a spirit of mutual respect." | Sinn Fein MLA Mickey Brady said: "People and communities should be allowed to commemorate and remember their dead in peace, without hindrance and in a spirit of mutual respect." |
The incident happened as ceremonies were taking place across Northern Ireland to remember the war dead. | |
The largest remembrance event in Northern Ireland took place at Belfast City Hall where consuls of the US, Canada, France and India laid wreaths. | The largest remembrance event in Northern Ireland took place at Belfast City Hall where consuls of the US, Canada, France and India laid wreaths. |
The Queen's representative, Lord Lieutenant of Belfast, Lady Carswell, was also in attendance along with leaders of the armed services. | The Queen's representative, Lord Lieutenant of Belfast, Lady Carswell, was also in attendance along with leaders of the armed services. |
This year, Remembrance Sunday falls exactly 89 years after the ending of World War I, Armistice Day. | This year, Remembrance Sunday falls exactly 89 years after the ending of World War I, Armistice Day. |