Sinn Féin constituency office in Newry disrupted by viable device
Detectives in Newry are renewing their appeal for information after a reported fire in the Killeen School Road area of Newry during the early hours of Monday 16th June, led to the discovery of a suspicious device.
Detective Sergeant Lewis said: “At approximately 3:15am, we received a report of a fire at business premises in the area. We attended alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who extinguished the blaze.
“On arrival, officers noted that multiple vehicles had been damaged as a result of the ignition, which is being treated as deliberate.
“Whilst checking the surrounding area, officers located a suspicious object. The Killeen School Road area was closed as a precaution until Army Technical Officers (ATO) could attend.
“The object was deemed to be a viable explosive device, before being made safe and removed from the scene for further forensic examination.
“The road has since reopened and enquiries are on-going to determine the full circumstances.“
“We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed anything suspicious, or who may have dash-cam, CCTV or other relevant video footage, to get in contact with us on 101 quoting reference number 156 of 16/06/25.
“Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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Viable device at Sinn Féin office an attack on democracy says Hughes
Sinn Féin MP Dáire Hughes has called the discovery of a viable device outside Sinn Féin’s constituency office in Newry as an attack on democracy.
The Newry and Armagh MP who shares the office with MLA, Liz Kimmins was speaking after the police confirmed a viable device was discovered outside the Sinn Féin office.
“This is a disgraceful and cowardly act designed to endanger lives and cause major disruption,” said Mr Hughes.
“To those behind this attack, Sinn Féin will not be intimidated.
“We will continue to represent the community without fear or hesitation.
“Our immediate focus is the safety of local residents, our staff, and all who live and work in the area. We are fully supporting the efforts of the police.
“We call on anyone with information to come forward immediately and assist police in bringing those responsible to justice.”
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McMurray condemns viable device in Newry
Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray has condemned the discovery of a viable device outside a local constituency office in Newry.
Mr McMurray has said: “This was a sinister act of intimidation, in which those responsible have shown a shocking disregard for the lives of others.
“My thoughts at this time are with Liz Kimmins, Dáire Hughes, all their constituency office staff, and the wider people of Newry.
“It must be roundly condemned by all, and speaks to a worrying polarisation in wider political discussion that we’ve been witnessing of late.
“We can only be thankful nobody was hurt, and I want to thank the PSNI and army technical officers for their swift and professional response to ensure it was dealt with quickly and efficiently.
“If anyone has any information that may aid police in bringing those responsible to justice, please get in touch with them, or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers.”
