Explosive device discovered at home in Co Longford

A viable explosive device was discovered at a home in Co Longford this afternoon.

The Defence Forces were called to the scene in Edgeworthstown after a suspect device was discovered by gardaí during the search of a house in the area.

A number of nearby houses were evacuated and roads in the area were closed off at about 1pm while the scene was investigated.

The suspect device was taken to a greenfield site nearby by the Army Bomb Disposal Team where it was made safe by controlled explosion. The scene was declared safe at 1.45pm.

Evidence was handed over to gardaí to assist them with their investigations.

The device was viable, the Defence Forces said in a statement.