An explosive device found in a popular seaside village in Northern Ireland was “viable”, police have said.

Those behind the explosive which sparked a security alert in Cushendun, on the Glens of Antrim tourist route, have been condemned for reckless disregard of life.

Army bomb experts were sent to the scene at Glendun Road. The area was later declared safe and the explosive was removed for forensic examination.

Oliver McMullan, Sinn Fein MLA for East Antrim, said: “Cushendun is quiet town which is however a popular visiting spot for tourists at this time of year travelling along the Antrim coastline and to the Glens, especially with the recent good weather.

“For anyone to leave an explosive device on one of the main roads in and out of the town is sheer recklessness and shows absolute disregard for the residents of this town and passers-by.”

Mr McMullan said the actions of those involved are to be “condemned outright”.

“There is no logic to this act and those behind it need to realise there is no support for this type of action.

“I would urge anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area to report that to the PSNI.”

The PSNI has appealed to anyone with information to get in touch.