Those behind the 'crude but viable' device left at a Co Armagh beauty spot have been slammed.
Police closed the Newtown Road at Camlough in both directions following the discovery of a suspicious object on Monday morning.
SDLP MLA Justin McNulty has since shared a picture of the device beside the lake, hitting out at those responsible as it could have claimed lives.
Mr McNulty said: "This is mindlessly reckless and has to be condemned outright. Those responsible are deluded if they think they have any support for their actions.
"This crude and viable device was left at one of South Armagh’s most popular beauty spots. It could have killed.
"It is frightening to think there are those in our community hell bent on dragging us back to the dark days of our past.
"I have spoken with Senior Police Officers and have conveyed my disgust and anger at this incident. This isn’t the first incident of this type, just last week a similar device was found at Clay Lake outside Keady.
"This incident must be condemned by all right thinking people and those responsible need to realise their futile and life endangering acts have been rejected by the people of this island."
Police said just before noon: "The Newtown Road at Camlough Lake, just outside Camlough, Co Armagh, has been closed in both directions following the discovery of a suspicious object.
"Local diversions are now in place however members of the public are asked to avoid the area whilst the object is examined."
Slieve Gullion area Sinn Féin Councillor Oonagh Magennis says the suspicious device is currently being examined.
The local councillor said: "There are currently diversions in place as the Newtown Road has been closed.
"The discovery of this suspicious device has caused serious inconvenience to local residents and motorists using this busy route.
"The device is currently being examined and we await further updates. In the meantime I would ask motorists to follow the diversions."
For the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter here.
