Police in Northern Ireland say they have found a "mortar type device" near the village of Cullyhanna in Co. Armagh. The discovery comes after a major security operation close to the Irish border, which has lasted for several days.

Soldiers used sniffer dogs and metal detectors to scour hedgerows and drainage ditches for signs of explosives.

The device was found in the area around Bog Road and Lisleitrim Road, where a number of houses had been evacuated.

Dominic Bradley, the Social Democratic and Labour Party MLA for Newry and Armagh, said "The people of Cullyhanna, south Armagh and indeed the people of this island, want to be left in peace. Instead, those responsible still live in some warped existence of the past. There is palpable anger in the local community. They don't want this level of disruption as they go about their everyday lives".

"The community are relieved there have been no deaths or serious injury and they want those responsible to stop immediately" he added.

Cullyhanna, Co. Armagh

Ulster Unionist MLA Danny Kennedy added "I'm concerned at both the capability and the intent of those sinister elements behind this (device)".

"It simply reinforces how important it is that local people give total support to the police and provide them with every assistance possible as they attempt to protect and serve the entire community" he added.

The discovery comes after a mortar attack on a police station in Derry was foiled after security services stopped a van with four devices that were primed and ready to launch.

Mortars have also been found during security alerts in Belfast.