An explosive device has detonated in County Fermanagh.
Army bomb disposal officers and police were at the scene when the explosion happened at Wattle Bridge close to Newtownbutler this morning.
They had been in the area to review a hoax bomb scare at the weekend.
Explosion in Newtownbutler: PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin says: "I am of the firm belief this was a deliberate attempt to lure police and ATO colleagues into the area to murder them."
Full statement here: https://t.co/KA61JUf2Hz— Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) August 19, 2019
A despicable act perpetrated by persons with no regard for law, order or democratic principles https://t.co/TY5V1HGnwd
— Charlie Flanagan (@CharlieFlanagan) August 19, 2019
No one was injured in the blast but the PSNI says it believes it was a deliberate attempt to lure officers into the area to murder them.
My thoughts are with the police officers / ATOs who escaped injury in Wattle Bridge. A reminder of the bravery of our security forces. The threat from republican terrorists still exists. It’s time they left the stage & allowed everyone to move on.This was a clear attempt to kill.
— Arlene Foster DBE PC #ProudofNI. (@ArleneFosterUK) August 19, 2019
The finger of suspicion is expected to point to dissident republicans opposed to the peace process.
