Sinn Féin South Antrim MLA, Declan Kearney has condemned those responsible for a viable device discovered in a rear garden in Mayfield Village late last night.

Declan Kearney said:

“I condemn those responsible for a viable device left in Mayfield last night, resulting in twenty six families having to leave their homes in the early hours of the morning.

“This was a criminal attack on a quiet neighbourhood at a time when families would have been settled for the night. It was especially disrupting for those families forced to flee their homes in freezing temperatures to make their way to a place of safety.

“I want to thank the PSNI for ensuring the safety of local residents, and commend Antrim and Newtownabbey Council’s emergency support team for its quick response, and arranging for the opening of the Lillian Bland Pavilion to accommodate those evacuated.

“I would urge the public to assist the ongoing police investigation by providing any information which may help bring the people responsible for this criminality before the courts.”