A number of homes had to be evacuated after the alarm was raised around 3.30pm on Saturday. Police and ATO carried out a controlled explosion on the object which is believed to have been a viable device. Newry, Mourne & Down District Commander, Superintendent Norman Haslett said: "As part of our public safety operation, a number of homes were evacuated. Some of the residents affected made use of the local leisure centre, as facilitated by the local Council. As of this time, most of the families have returned home and any roads closed have reopened.” He added: "Our enquiries are continuing and we are working to establish who is responsible for what can only be described as a reckless act. This device could easily have detonated, or have been picked up by anyone, including children. Someone could have suffered serious injury.