• The explosive device was the size of a torch and was viable
• The device was found in the toilets on the premises of the pub on Cord Road
• The pub and several houses were evacuated as an investigation was carried out

LOUTH, Ireland - Gardai made a shocking discovery inside the toilets of a popular Drogheda pub on Tuesday night.

Officials revealed that they had found an explosive device, which was reportedly the size of a torch.

They noted that the discovery of the device caused the pub and several houses in the vicinity to be evacuated.

Gardai confirmed that the device discovered was an improvised explosive and was viable.

They added that the device was found in a boozer in Drogheda, Co Louth, at around 10 pm in the night.

Officials described the device as being the size of a small torch and was found in pub located on the Cord Road.

Further, officials said that following the discovery, around 40 people were evacuated from part of the Cord road, and at its junction with Constitution Hill, and Francis Street.

Soon after finding the device, gardai reportedly called in the army bomb disposal team, which described the device as being viable.

The device was removed for further examination.

Civilians were allowed to return to their houses after several hours and now investigations are reportedly working on establishing when and why the device was left there.

They are looking closely at who might have left the device there.

In an official statement, the Defence Forces said, "Following a request from An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces deployed an Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to a residential area in Drogheda last night. The EOD team arrived on scene at 11.40pm, a cordon was put in place and a number of houses were evacuated to ensure public safety.”

The statement added, “Following an assessment of the device, it was made safe at the scene and removed for further examination in a secure military location, where it was found to be viable; the EOD team departed the scene at 01.05am. Any material of an evidential nature will be handed over to An Garda Síochána to assist in their investigations."

Praising the swift efforts of the emergency service, the local councillor Kevin Callan was quoted as saying, “The efforts of the gardai in taking no chances and protecting residents in the immediate area is very reassuring and shows the professional approach of the officers involved."

Subsequently, the Sarsfield Bar said in a Facebook post, "Following an incident last night, we want to assure that the safety of our customers, staff and residents is our priority. We want to sincerely thank the emergency services for their prompt and professional response. We are committed to running a safe and welcoming pub and rest assured we will continue to do so. Thanks also goes to the residents for their co operation, it’s greatly appreciated."