An explosive device has detonated in County Fermanagh.
Army bomb disposal officers and police were at the scene when the explosion happened at Wattle Bridge close to Newtownbutler this morning.
Officers had been in the area over the weekend after reports that a device was left there.
While that device was declared a hoax, it's understood another device exploded nearby this morning as a bomb disposal squad attended to review the scene.
There have been no reports of any injuries.
PSNI confirmed "some form of explosive device" had detonated in the area at around 10:35am this morning.
In a statement, Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin described the attack as "indiscriminate and reckless".
He said "there is no doubt in my mind" that police were the target, but said anybody could have been caught up in the blast.
He said: “While this investigation is at a very early stage I am of the firm belief this was a deliberate attempt to lure police and ATO colleagues into the area to murder them.
"Although this device was intended to kill police and army personnel the fact that it was placed on a main road the result could well have been devastating for anyone in the immediate vicinity.
"We are extremely fortunate that the actions of officers who were first on scene meant that there was not serious injury or death."
'Cowardly actions'
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has condemned the "cowardly actions of those responsible" for the attack.
He said in a statement: "There is never any justification to use violence to achieve political aims. The people of Ireland, North and South, had their say on this issue when they voted overwhelmingly and emphatically for the Good Friday Agreement.
"It is a considerable relief that no PSNI officers were seriously injured or killed when this bomb went off. We should be in no doubt that this device was intended to inflict maximum harm."
He called on anyone with information to provide it to the PSNI.
Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said it was a "despicable act perpetrated by persons with no regard for law, order or democratic principles".
Omagh councillor Stephen Donnelly, meanwhile, described it as an "outrageous, disgusting" attack.
Deeply concerning reports emerging from Fermanagh of a device exploding during a PSNI search of Wattle Bridge this morning.
This could easily have killed police officers or members of the wider public - this is an outrageous, disgusting attack on the people of Newtownbutler.— Cllr Stephen Donnelly (@SteveDonnelly95) August 19, 2019
