The Bishop of Clogher has called militants “deluded” after a bomb was found in a lane next to the home of a UUP councillor in County Fermanagh, in Northern Ireland.

The device was discovered by Harold Andrews’ son and described by police as “viable”.

The discovery at Mullaghglass, Rosslea, was made after Mr Andrews received a call in the early hours of Monday morning warning him that a bomb had been left outside his house.

Army bomb disposal experts made the device safe before removing it from the scene.

Bishop John McDowell said that a life-threatening bomb plot was “appalling” at any time, but especially so during Holy Week.

He said: “Across this island there is a desire to build a new sort of society where differences are settled through political debate.

“A tiny number of people think that it can be otherwise but I pray they will realise they are deluded and that there is no place for this sort of monstrous activity in our society.

“Mr Andrews and his family are in our thoughts and prayers."

Ulster Unionist MLA for the area Tom Elliott said: “These attacks are the work of a small intolerant element of people who still wish to intimidate Protestants out of Rosslea," he said.

"This suspect device will lead to a lot of disruption in the area and it has put not only Harold's life, but also of anyone passing by in danger."