An explosive device has detonated in Co Fermanagh, police sources have said.

Army bomb disposal officers and police were at the scene when the explosion happened at Wattle Bridge close to Newtownbutler on Monday morning. No one was injured.

Bomb disposal officers had been in the area at the weekend responding to reports that a device had been left there.

That item was ultimately declared a hoax but it is understood another device exploded close-by on Monday when a bomb disposal team attended to review the scene.

It is understood the Army team of Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) and police were fortunate to escape without injury.

The finger of suspicion will again point to dissident republicans opposed to the peace process.

There will be suspicions the hoax device was part of a booby trap plan to bring security forces into the area prior to the detonation of the viable device.

Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew condemned those responsible.

“This morning’s bomb attack in Wattle Bridge was totally wrong,” said the Sinn Fein representative.

“Thankfully no-one was injured in this incident but we could have been dealing with a situation where people were seriously injured or worse.

“Those responsible for this incident have nothing to offer society and need to end these actions immediately.

“Anyone with information on this should bring it forward to the PSNI.”

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