Cavan to Clones road closed due to reports of suspect device near Wattlebridge

PSNI are investigating reports of a suspect device on the Fermanagh-Cavan border.

The PSNI are searching the Wattlebridge Road area of Newtownbutler to try to pinpoint the precise location of the device. They have appealed for members of the public to near the area not to touch any "suspicious objects".

Gardaí notified The Anglo-Celt that the N54 between Cavan and Clones will be closed until further notice.

However PSNI in the North reportedly kept roads in their jurisdiction open.

Inspector Michael Patton of Fermanagh Omagh PSNI said: "The alert follows a report that some type of device has been left in the vicinity.

"We are currently investigating this report, working to establish an exact location of any such device and no roads are closed at this time.

I am appealing to members of the public living in, or travelling through the area to be vigilant and not to touch any suspicious objects."

Backstory

The report follows similar incidents in the area in recent years. In August 2019 a bomb was detonated in Wattlebridge. The initial report received by PSNI that time again indicated that a device had been left on the Wattlebridge Road however the explosion occurred on the main A3 Cavan Road. There were no injuries.

There was also a bomb hoax at Wattlebridge on the day of the Ulster final of 2019 when many Cavan supporters were caught in tailbacks as they tried to make their way back from Clones.

In May 2016 a suspect device was discovered by a lodge member at the front door of Wattlebridge Orange hall, prompting a security alert. That was ultimately declared an "elaborate hoax".

Meanwhile in May last year, photos of a so-called show of strength by dissident republicans the Continuity IRA emerged. The images of masked men brandishing what appears to be revolvers were thought to have been taken at Galloon graveyard near Wattlebridge.