‘Viable’ device is thrown at home

Mr Craig said he was alarmed by the incident, which he described as “inexcusable”. He added that the device could have endangered the lives of not just those targeted, but also the general public.

School Lane was closed at the junction of the Creaneystown Road and the Glenavy Road for over three hours on Monday following the discovery of what was initially described as ‘a suspicious object’.

An army bomb disposal officer found it to be a “viable improvised device containing fireworks,” which “could have caused harm” had it exploded.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police uncovered the device after receiving information that suggested one may have been thrown at a house in the area.

“The device was examined by ATO and found to be a viable improvised device containing fireworks. Police believe that had the device been exploded it could have caused harm to the person handling it.”

Mr Craig stated: “I find it alarming that anyone in this day and age would resort to using devices like this. These devices not only endanger the lives of their intended target, but they endanger the lives of the general public. There is no guarantee they won’t injure and maim a member of the public who is not the intended target.

“It is alarming there are those in our society who resort to this kind of violence and whether this is terrorist or criminally related, it is absolutely inexcusable and I would ask anyone who has any knowledge of this to contact the police and give them any information they have.

“The aim and goal of this is to destabilise and destroy lives and this is something society cannot tolerate.”

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact police on 0845 600 8000.