A British army technical unit was called in to examine a suspect device near Dunloy Orange Hall where yesterday's service by the Apprentice Boys of Derry in the nationalist village went off peacefully. A control led explosion was later set off.
The RUC said the device was an improvised grenade and had been in place for some time. The governor of the Apprentice Boys, Mr Alastair Simpson, said the Dunloy branch welcomed the opportunity to exercise its civil and religious liberties. The religious service will not, however, end the loyalist protest at the Church of Our Lady in Harryville, Ballymena.
Local SDLP representative Mr Sean Farren hoped some of the Apprentice Boys would bring their influence to bear there. However, several who have protested outside Harryville chapel said the service would not bring the 16-month picket to an end - for that to happen would require a parade through the village.