No justification for pipe bombs: Ford

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 12th May 2004

ALLIANCE Assembly member for South Antrim David Ford has said there was no justification for leaving pipe bombs outside homes in Antrim Town yesterday.

Mr Ford said: "There is simply no justification for leaving pipe bombs outside anyone's home. These devices have killed in the past, and I would appeal to all sides not to stoke up tension in the town this summer.

"I am aware that these incidents have been linked to the flying of republican flags. Flags, no matter where they come from, are more often than not used to provoke, intimidate and mark out territory. The erection of flags is usually detrimental to community relations, and I would call on those with influence in the community to work towards their removal."