Worker foils fire bomb attack

Army technical experts examined the scene

A shop worker has foiled a fire bomb attack in a County Down shop.

The incendiary device was found in clothing in a sports retailers in Newry at about 1700 GMT on Monday.

Police said the cassette-type fire bomb was found concealed in a fleece in the JJB sports shop.

The shop at the Old Creamery Retail Park near Monaghan Street was cordoned off while army technical experts examined the device.

PSNI Inspector Ronnie Neill praised the vigilance of staff at the shop.

"The member of staff may well have prevented the loss of jobs or even lives," he said.

"This wreckless attack was carried out without regard for lives, property or jobs."

Plea for vigilance

Inspector Neill urged members of the business community to be vigilant.

The warning follows a wave of fire bombings which have destroyed several businesses across Northern Ireland.

Dissident republicans have been linked to the latest wave of fire bombings.

Devices have been discovered in Lisburn, Newry, Antrim, Londonderry, Newtownabbey and Ballymena.

The police said the device was the 14th firebomb discovered this month.