IN PICTURES: Live bomb found in Enniskillen ‘could be linked to trio of Fermanagh alerts’

A live explosive device has been found after the Army bomb squad combed the shoreline in Enniskillen earlier today.
By Adam Kula
Published 17th Mar 2021, 19:18 BST
PACEMAKER BELFAST 17/03/2021 A PSNI bomb disposal team attended a suspect device at Cornagrade, Enniskillen around lunchtime on St Patrick's Day. Picture: Ronan McGrade/Pacemaker PressPACEMAKER BELFAST 17/03/2021 A PSNI bomb disposal team attended a suspect device at Cornagrade, Enniskillen around lunchtime on St Patrick's Day. Picture: Ronan McGrade/Pacemaker Press
PACEMAKER BELFAST 17/03/2021 A PSNI bomb disposal team attended a suspect device at Cornagrade, Enniskillen around lunchtime on St Patrick's Day. Picture: Ronan McGrade/Pacemaker Press

It is the latest security alert in recent days in Fermanagh, with other incidents turning out to be hoaxes.

Now police say the bomb discovered today could be linked with these earlier false alarms.

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The bomb was found at a pathway in the north of the town, on the shore of a lake-shaped inlet near Loughview Drive.

PACEMAKER BELFAST 17/03/2021 A PSNI bomb disposal team attended a suspect device at Cornagrade, Enniskillen around lunchtime on St Patrick's Day. Picture: Ronan McGrade/Pacemaker PressPACEMAKER BELFAST 17/03/2021 A PSNI bomb disposal team attended a suspect device at Cornagrade, Enniskillen around lunchtime on St Patrick's Day. Picture: Ronan McGrade/Pacemaker Press
PACEMAKER BELFAST 17/03/2021 A PSNI bomb disposal team attended a suspect device at Cornagrade, Enniskillen around lunchtime on St Patrick's Day. Picture: Ronan McGrade/Pacemaker Press

Chief Superintendent Andy Freeburn, South Area Commander, said: “I can confirm that this device was small and crude, but potentially viable, and it has been taken away for further examination. We believe that this reckless act is the work of violent dissident republicans and should be condemned by all.

“This device was left on a pathway, which is frequently used and enjoyed by members of the public, including people fishing, local boat owners, parents and children. Those responsible have shown blatant disregard for the life of others and our community.

“Their actions are reprehensible and are not supported by the local community.

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“I want to appeal to anyone who has information about this incident to call us and tell us what you know. The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 1242 of 16/03/21.”

PACEMAKER BELFAST 17/03/2021 A PSNI bomb disposal team attended a suspect device at Cornagrade, Enniskillen around lunchtime on St Patrick's Day. Picture: Ronan McGrade/Pacemaker PressPACEMAKER BELFAST 17/03/2021 A PSNI bomb disposal team attended a suspect device at Cornagrade, Enniskillen around lunchtime on St Patrick's Day. Picture: Ronan McGrade/Pacemaker Press
PACEMAKER BELFAST 17/03/2021 A PSNI bomb disposal team attended a suspect device at Cornagrade, Enniskillen around lunchtime on St Patrick's Day. Picture: Ronan McGrade/Pacemaker Press

A report can also be made via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or anonymously via the Crimestoppers Charity on 0800 555 111, or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/

The PSNI were asked by the News Letter whether reports on Monday of shots fired at Enniskillen police station and a bomb left at the shoreline of the town (neither of which were ever substantiated), and a report at the weekend that a bomb had been left “in the Fermanagh border area – specifically in the areas of Cavan Road and Clones Road in Newtownbutler” (also unsubstantiated) were linked to this latest incident.

Chief Superintendent Freeburn said: “These incidents are under investigation and we believe, at this time, they may be linked. Enquiries are ongoing.”

More from the News Letter:

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PACEMAKER BELFAST 17/03/2021 A PSNI bomb disposal team attended a suspect device at Cornagrade, Enniskillen around lunchtime on St Patrick's Day. Picture: Ronan McGrade/Pacemaker PressPACEMAKER BELFAST 17/03/2021 A PSNI bomb disposal team attended a suspect device at Cornagrade, Enniskillen around lunchtime on St Patrick's Day. Picture: Ronan McGrade/Pacemaker Press
PACEMAKER BELFAST 17/03/2021 A PSNI bomb disposal team attended a suspect device at Cornagrade, Enniskillen around lunchtime on St Patrick's Day. Picture: Ronan McGrade/Pacemaker Press

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