Police came under sustained petrol bomb attack in Co Armagh last night following the discovery of what they believe to be hundreds of pounds of home made explosives.
A day long security operation came to an end in Craigavon with crowds hurling petrol bombs, stones, fireworks and other missiles at officers.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said approximately 400lbs of what was understood to be home made explosives was recovered from the Montbrief Road area and had since been removed for further examination.
The security operation was mounted following a report of suspicious activity in the area and officers began a planned search at around 6am.
Roads in the area were closed to traffic while army bomb disposal experts examined what was described as a suspicious object. During the latter stages of the security operation officers came under sustained attack from youths who had gathered in the area.
Petrol bombs, fireworks and other missiles were thrown although there are no reports of any injuries among the security forces.
Chief Inspector Pauline Shields, the PSNI Area Commander for Lurgan said "I am appealing to those who continued to throw petrol bombs and other missiles to think about the lives they are putting in danger.
"Not only are they risking the lives of officers who are simply trying to do their jobs, but they are risking the lives of their own community.
"The very fact that we recovered what we believe to be home made explosives from the area also demonstrates that there are still a minority who are intent on harm and destruction."
Dissident republicans are thought to be behind the suspected explosives, but it was not immediately clear whether a device had been planted or if the substance was being stored.
A police spokeswoman said all closed roads were reopened following the end of the security operation and the security forces had left the area which was soon afterwards reported to be calm.
PA