Device explodes at Sinn Fein office
A pipe bomb type device has exploded damaging the front of a Sinn Fein office in Castlewellan.
The device was thrown at the property on the Circular Road at around 3am on Friday morning.
The office was evacuated while army technical officers attended the scene.
Police said army bomb experts dealt with what is believed to be a partially or fully exploded pipe-bomb type device.
Sinn Fein MLA for South Down Caitríona Ruane has condemned the attack.
“This attack is not just an attack on our party but on the community who use this office as a vital resource for information and assistance.
“This attack has caused considerable damage and has put our office staff and members of the public at great risk.
“Given that Friday is used by MLA’s as a specific constituency day I have no doubt those responsible for this attack were aware of that, which makes this all the more malicious and even more dangerous.
SDLP Down Councillor Eamonn O’Neill branded the attack as a totally reckless and deplorable act.
“This attack is senseless and I completely condemn it. It is an attack of the entire community and we will not stand for it.
“What is particularly worrying is the fact that the office in question is located on the busy Circular Road and such an attack places members of the public from the locality at risk.
“It is simply deplorable and I urge anybody with information on this attack to contact the PSNI immediately.”
