BREAKING: Defence Forces and gardaí remove suspected bomb from in Limerick city estate

A SUSPECTED bomb found in a Limerick city housing estate was found to be "non-viable" and was removed by the Irish Defence Forces.

Early this Friday morning, bomb disposal experts from the Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team responded to a request for assistance from An Garda Síochána in relation to a suspected explosive device found in Pike Avenue, Garryowen.

Gardaí have since confirmed the suspect device was under a parked car in Pike Avenue.

"A cordon was put in place for the security and protection of residents in the area," a spokesperson for the Defence Forces confirmed.

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"Following an assessment of the device the EOD team it was found that the device was non-viable and has been handed over to AGS for investigation. The scene has now been reopened and this operation has concluded."

Gardaí also issued a statement regarding the incident, saying: "Gardaí responded to reports of criminal damage to a parked car in the Garryowen area of Limerick shortly after 1:30am this morning, Friday, October 4.

"While attending to the incident, a suspect device was discovered under the vehicle. A cordon was established and the Army EOD unit attended at the scene."

Gardaí continue to investigate.

It hasn't yet been determined if this morning’s incident is connected to an arson attack on a home in the same locality two weeks ago.