Mr Tennyson has said: “The actions of the thugs that carried out this sinister attack are utterly despicable and they must be condemned without equivocation. This is not wanted or supported by anyone here in the local area.

“My thoughts are with the man who was coerced to carry this out, PSNI officers and staff based at the station targeted, and all those forced to evacuate their homes last night. I hope all those impacted are getting all the support they require.

“The kind of panic, trauma, and disruption caused by this attack is a stark reminder of the dark days of our past, days we will not allow ourselves to be dragged back to by those who only stand to cause our communities harm.

“I would like to thank all emergency responders for their swift response in dealing with the alert and assisting the public. If anyone has any information that may be useful to police in their investigations into this incident, please get in contact with them as soon as possible.”