Police Issue Security Alert in Dunmurry After Car Bomb Explodes Near Police Station
- Police in Northern Ireland declared a security alert in the town of Dunmurry, on the outskirts of Belfast, after reports that a car bomb exploded near a police...
- The incident occurred late on Saturday when a delivery driver's car was hijacked in the Twinbrook area of west Belfast and fitted with a gas cylinder device.
- Several residents, including two babies, were evacuated from their homes by officers before the explosion.
Police in Northern Ireland declared a security alert in the town of Dunmurry, on the outskirts of Belfast, after reports that a car bomb exploded near a police station.
The incident occurred late on Saturday when a delivery driver’s car was hijacked in the Twinbrook area of west Belfast and fitted with a gas cylinder device. The driver was forced to drive the vehicle to the Dunmurry police station, where it exploded while parked outside the building.
Several residents, including two babies, were evacuated from their homes by officers before the explosion. No injuries were reported, which police attributed to the swift actions taken during the evacuation.
Police Service of Northern Ireland Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton confirmed that an attempted murder investigation is underway and will be led by the PSNI Terrorism Investigation Unit. He appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
Singleton stated that thoughts are with those affected by the attack, particularly the delivery driver who experienced a traumatic ordeal, as well as residents still unable to return to their homes and the officers involved.
Our thoughts today are with all those affected by this cowardly attack, the delivery driver for whom this will have been an extremely traumatic experience.
Bobby Singleton, Deputy Chief Constable, PSNI
Both the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland condemned the attack. First Minister Michelle O’Neill said those responsible have “no vision, no support and have nothing to offer our society,” adding that communities deserve peace and that young people and future generations should not be denied it.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said she is appalled that there has been another attack directed at the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Homes in the vicinity of the Dunmurry police station remained closed off as forensic investigators inspected the scene. Roads in the area were shut down following the explosion.