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Pipe bomb left at home of press photographer

A pipe bomb has been discovered at the family home of a Northern Ireland press photographer.

Mark Pearce from Mayobridge, near Newry, Co Down, has worked as a photographer for more than 20 years.

His family was woken by police shortly after midnight today at their home in Carraig Crosain. Six homes in their street were also evacuated.

Army bomb disposal officers dealt with the device, which was left outside Mr Pearce’s front door. His two children were in the house at the time.

Residents were allowed to return to their homes at about 5.20am.

Police have appealed for information about the attack.

Sinn Fein MLA Caitriona Ruane said those who left the bomb at the photographer’s home were an affront to democracy, adding: “In any civilised society a free press is paramount in maintaining democracy and this attack needs to seen in that context.

“While people may not agree with sections of the media there is no excuse to attack them or their families.”

SDLP MP Margaret Ritchie said the perpetrators were intent on causing serious injury.

“Disruption was caused to that family and to local residents who returned to their properties earlier this morning. The thoughts and prayers of the entire community are with the family,” she said.

“The message is clear to those who perpetrate these despicable acts – get off our backs and let us live in peace and harmony.”

Alliance Party assembly member Trevor Lunn said freedom of the press was paramount in any democratic society.

“There should never be any attempt to silence the press through the use of violence. I would like to extend my support to Mark and his family,” he added.

Mr Pearce, 39, who has a daughter aged 14 and a son of 12, said his family was concerned about what this evening could bring.

“As photographers, we have this ability to distance ourselves from what happened. To a certain degree it does not seem real – but this is real. This is my family, this is my children. It is horrible,” he said.

He had no proof of who might target him, but believed it might have happened because of photographs which he had taken, he said, adding that he recently received a death threat.

National Union of Journalists general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said it was a worrying development at a time of heightened tensions.

“The targeting of a journalist in this way is totally unacceptable and we are deeply concerned by this attempt to intimidate journalists,” she said.

NUJ president Barry McCall said: “Coming after death threats against elected representatives this is a direct threat to those who seek to report the news in Northern Ireland and must be condemned unequivocally.

“It is a reminder to journalists and media organisations that we have to be extra vigilant.”