A VIABLE EXPLOSIVE device discovered outside a Sinn Féin constituency office in Newry has been made safe and removed from the site, the PSNI has said.

The device was discovered at the party’s office on Monaghan Street in Newry shortly before midnight last night, when a report was made to police about a suspicious object.

Ammunition technical officers attended the site and examined the object, which was declared a viable explosive.

“The device has been made safe and removed for further examination,” a police statement said.

Cordons surrounding the Sinn Féin constituency office have since been removed, and Monaghan Street has now re-opened.

Sinn Féin MP Dáire Hughes labelled the incident “disgraceful”.

Hughes, who shares the office with Newry MLA Liz Kimmins, added that it was “a cowardly act designed to endanger lives and cause major disruption”.

“To those behind this attack, Sinn Féin will not be intimidated. We will continue to represent the community without fear or hesitation,” Hughes said in a statement on social media.

“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,” he added.

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill similarly condemned the “cowardly attack”.

“There is absolutely no place for this kind of behaviour in our society,” O’Neill said.

“Sinn Féin will not be deterred or intimidated from continuing our work to better the lives of people and communities across Newry, Armagh, and Ireland.”

The PSNI are currently appealing for anyone with information or footage of the area to contact them.