The device was discovered at this house in Drumgullion Road, Newry.
A viable explosive device, believed to be a pipe bomb, has been found at a house in Newry, police have confirmed.
It was discovered on Drumglion Avenue, off Armagh Road, during a red alert that began on Monday afternoon.
It is understood that the same house was the target of a petrol bomb attack two and a half months ago.
Firefighters extinguished the fire at the time and there were no reports of injuries.
It is still unclear whether the two attacks are related, but police said “the investigation is ongoing”.
The latest incident began just before 14:50 Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) on Monday when officers received a report of a suspicious object being left in Drumglion Street.
Several homes were evacuated and police and army technical officers were deployed to the streets.
Some residents had to leave their homes during the warning.
Heavy rains made the task of security personnel even more difficult during the operation.
The alert ended early Tuesday morning when a suspected pipe bomb was recovered.
“Absolute disgrace”
After residents were allowed to return home, officers issued a statement thanking local residents for their patience and understanding.
“The object, which was declared to be a viable device, was removed and taken away for further forensic examination,” said a police inspector.
The area’s MP, Sinn Fein’s Mickey Brady, said: “It’s absolutely disgraceful that people have had to leave their homes at this time, because we thought those days were over.
“Having lived through conflict, I thought that after the Good Friday Agreement this would no longer be the case, but unfortunately it is still going on.”
Social Democrat/Labour councilor Cillian Feehan said on Monday that residents were experiencing “significant disruption”.
He said the public was being forced to “make emergency arrangements on New Year’s Day. This is completely unacceptable.”
“This is not something anyone in this community wants or needs,” Feehan added.
Residents experienced “significant disruption” during Monday’s vigil, councilor said
On Monday night, Meadow and Armour Road Community Association (MARCA) volunteers opened a community center at Whitegates Business Park for people who had been forced to leave their homes.
It is understood the facility was not needed, but Sinn Féin councilor Geraldine Kearns thanked the volunteers for their efforts.