An explosive device in a coffee jar caused a security alert during a Remembrance Day service in County Down, police have said.
Scientists are examining the remains of an explosive device which went off inside a ceremonial cannon during a Remembrance Day service in County Down.
It exploded inside a ceremonial cannon in Newry. No one was injured.
It exploded inside the cannon in Newry on Sunday. No-one was injured in the blast.
Army technical officers examined the cannon and it is thought they found a jar containing fireworks.
It is understood the device was a coffee 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."
The people at the ceremony said that they heard a bang and then saw a flash and smoke coming from the cannon shortly after 1100 GMT.
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.
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".
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."
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 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.
