Virginia court 'pipe bomb' a hoax

Virginia District Court had to be been cleared this morning following the discovery of what appeared to be a pipe bomb in the courthouse but was later found to be a hoax.

The device, which the Celt has been informed was an 'elaborate hoax', was sitting on the back window sill inside the back door.

It has been described by one eye-witness as a two-and-a-half-foot pipe with a sizeable package on the top, which has been taped over with black insulation tape. There was an oval-shaped timer device attached.

Gardaí evacuated the building of county council staff in the offices upstairs. The scene has been cordoned off and cars parked in the vicinity are being moved. The Explosive Ordnance unti with the Irish Army attended and made safe the scene at 2.15pm

Judge Denis McLoughlin was due to hear 38 cases at the court listed in charge sheets and summonses but they were adjourned to February 16.