Viable device found in Newry

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Police said they received reports of a fire at 03:15 BST on Monday

A viable device has been found following an arson attack in Newry.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said that at around 03:15 BST on Monday they received a report of a fire at business premises in the Killeen School Road area.

While searching the surrounding area, officers located a suspicious object.

Detective Sergeant Lewis said the device had been "removed from the scene for further forensic examination".

The Killeen School Road area was closed while Army Technical Officers (ATO) attended the scene and removed the device.

Police said the fire which damaged multiple vehicles, was being treated as deliberate.

The road has since reopened.

'Reckless act'

Sinn Féin Councillor Cathal King has condemned those behind the security alert.

"This incident has caused significant disruption for the local community and in particular the school staff and pupils and I want to unequivocally condemn those behind this reckless act," he said.