BREAKING: Homes evacuated in Limerick over suspicious 'device'

A NUMBER of homes in Limerick city were evacuated in the early hours of this Tuesday morning after a suspicious "device" was discovered.

The Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was called in from Cork to make the suspect device safe - the second time in three days. On Sunday morning, gardai discovered an explosive device after responding to a car fire and reports of shots fired at a house.

A garda spokesperson said this Tuesday morning that officers were alerted to a device at a residential property in Prospect at approximately 2.25am.

"A cordon was established and neighbouring properties were evacuated.

"An Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team removed an improvised device containing an accelerant for further examination. Residents were subsequently allowed to return to their homes," said a garda spokesperson.

READ MORE: Gardai discover explosive device after shots fired at house in Limerick

Investigations are ongoing.

It is the latest in a series of pipe bomb and arson attacks on cars and homes, as well as shootings, on the southside of the city.

It is understood to be connected to a long-running feud between rival groupings