Suspicious device found in Athlone

Gardaí are investigating the discovery of a pipe bomb in Athlone town late last night.

The alarm was raised at around 10.45pm after the device was found at the edge of Moydrum Road.

Members of the Army Bomb Disposal Unit were called to the scene and removed the explosive for a technical examination. A Garda spokesman said the road reopened 12.25am.

A Defence Forces spokesman said the device was viable.

“We did not carry out a controlled explosion, but the device was made safe,” he said.

“It wasn’t left outside a house or planted. It appeared to be left for someone to pick up. It was ready for detonation.”