‘Evil’ men who want to maim or kill

Police said the discovery of a viable pipe bomb at a family home in Carnlough last Wednesday is a “worrying development” and urged public vigilance against further terror attacks.

A breakaway paramilitary grouping, the Loyalist Action Force, is said to have claimed responsibility.

Security forces have also had to deal with a spate of bomb hoaxes. The latest, at the Larne ATC centre at The Roddens on Wednesday night, caused seven homes to be evacuated.

PSNI inspector Noel Rogan said: “There has been a spate of hoaxes in recent months, but now we see that the capability is there for a viable device to be left with the intention of maiming or killing.

“There can be no doubt that there are dangerous people with evil intentions in our borough and we would ask the public to remain extra vigilant and report any suspicious persons, objects or vehicles to the police.”

Insp Rogan described the indication that the LAF has bomb-making capability as a “worrying development”.

The cumulative effect of the series of incidents had been to “raise fear in the local community and cause a lot of concern”.

Larne mayor and Ulster Unionist councillor Andy Wilson led local politicians in condemning the dissident activities.

Cllr Wilson said: “It is clear that terrorists are still lurking in the shadows.” See pages 4 & 5