The PSNI and British army experts were last night investigating the planting of a firebomb in a busy shopping area in Northern Ireland.
Army explosives specialists were brought in to defuse the incendiary device after it was discovered in a men's clothing store in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh.
Shoppers out hunting for sales bargains had to be evacuated from the High Street area during the security alert, and last night it remained cordoned off.
As tests were carried out on items taken away for forensic examination, Democratic Unionist Policing Board member Arlene Foster hit out at those responsible.
Ms Foster, who had been in the area at the time, said: "I can't imagine it was anyone other than dissident republicans.
"It's a very disheartening way to end the year in County Fermanagh and it underlines the need for everyone in the community to support policing and bring these people to justice."