'Attack on the peace process'

The attack comes just a week after a security alert was sparked when a suspicious object was discovered at the rear of the police station.

It also follows last week's discovery of two devices, also thought to be pipe bombs, which were defused in the Kilwilkie Road area.

Hitting out at Tuesday night's attack MLA Dolores Kelly said those planting the device may have been 'panicked' by a passing police patrol.

She said: "I was out canvassing on the streets of north Lurgan on Tuesday night and saw a number of police patrols.

"The police have increased their visibility during the election time and I have heard that a patrol may have panicked those who planted this device to leave it where it went off."

She went on: "Many people are working to try and develop Lurgan and grow business.

"I was at a traders' meeting last week and heard the pressures they are under and then we have these terrorists trying to pick up where the Provos left off.

"There is good work going on in the town and plenty of help for the traders and these people have displayed a wanton disregard for the community and the safety of others."

MLA John O'Dowd said the people who planted the device were intent on a return to the conflict.

He said: "This was not just an attack on the police station, it was an attack on the peace process.

"These people are intent on dragging us back to the conflict against the will of the vast majority of the people."

He added: "It's ironic a pipe bomb device was used, which was the choice tactic of loyalism when it tried to disrupt the peace process.

"Loyalism failed and these people who call themselves republican will fail too."

Assembly member Stephen Moutray appealed to the community to help the police catch the 'vermin' responsible.

"I totally condemn this dastardly attack," he said, "thankfully there were no injuries and no loss to life.

"There is a small element determined to wreak havoc in Northern Ireland and I would urge people to pass any information they may have onto the police to catch these vermin."

MLA George Savage described the attack as 'reckless', he said: "This was a reckless attack timed to have an impact on the community just days before a general election.

"The future is the ballot box not the bullet or the bomb and sooner these renegade elements realise this the better."