Residents evacuated after grenade is thrown into front garden of home in Cork city

Members of the Defence Forces carried out a controlled explosion in the early hours of this Monday morning after a viable explosive device was discovered in the front garden of a house in Cork city.

The device - believed to be a hand grenade - was found when gardai responded to reports of a firearm being discharged in the Ballyvolane area shortly after midnight.

"On arrival a suspect device was subsequently discovered.  The area was evacuated and a cordon put in place. The services of the Irish Defence Forces Ordnance Disposal team were requested and they conducted a controlled explosion," confirmed a garda spokesperson.

A number of homes were evacuated as a precaution but the occupants have since been allowed to return to their properties.

"There were no reports of injuries or damage. The scene is currently being held for examination," added the garda spokesperson who said investigations are ongoing.

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Separately, a man is questioned by gardai following another incident which happened in the same area of Cork city late on Sunday night.

"The suspect, aged in his 30s, was detained shortly after gardai responded to reports of criminal damage being caused at a pub at Ballincollie Road, Ballyvolane at approximately 10.50pm

"A man, 30s, was arrested in relation to the incident and is currently detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939 at a garda station in Cork," said a spokesperson.

Gardai have not commented on reports that a fire was deliberately started at the pub during the incident.