Hi °C | Lo °C The public was today warned against approaching any suspicious-looking objects after a security alert at a community centre where a GAA team was training.
Army Technical Officers discovered two devices last night at Stiles Community Centre in Antrim and police believe the attack was sectarian.
GAA players who were training were escorted from the building during the alert by the PSNI.
Police lifted the overnight security cordon this morning from around the premises where the St Comgall's GAA Club members were targeted.
A PSNI spokeswoman issued an appeal for information about the incident and also warned people across Northern Ireland to alert the police if they discover a suspicious object.
“Two suspicious objects were found which Army Technical Officers have described as crude, non-viable devices,” she said.
The alert was sparked shortly before 9pm yesterday when police received a report of objects being thrown in the area, she explained.
The spokeswoman continued: “Anyone who saw anything untoward or has any information about the security alert is asked to contact detectives.
“In addition, we would ask the public to refrain from touching any suspicious object and contact the police immediately.”
Mayor of Antrim, Adrian Watson, has expressed his revulsion at the incident.
He said it was a “disgusting attack by mindless thugs who had nothing to offer the local community”.
“These are young men training in a community centre surrounded by hundreds of homes,” he said.
“The local club are entitled to use whatever facilities they want, it's a community centre, it's open to all.
“It's in a mixed community and it (the attack) is a disgrace, especially since last week we had the bombing of the young PSNI officer.”
He added: “A very small minority of groups from both sides of the community seem intent on violence.”
Tommy Crilly, chairman of St Comgall's GAA club, said: “We are a patently non-sectarian organisation, whose concerted efforts in encouraging participation from all sections of the Antrim community are well recognised.
“We would very much wish to be allowed to continue in safety to make our ongoing significant contribution to the rich sporting life of the Antrim area.”
South Antrim MLA Trevor Clarke said: “I condemn this attack on the Stiles Community Centre.
“It comes only one week after the horrific incident which saw a police officer seriously injured in a car bomb in Randalstown.
“I call upon anyone with information to give it to the police. Actions like this have nothing to offer the people of Northern Ireland.”
