Crime & Law

PSNI criticise ‘reckless act’ after pipe bomb explodes in Belfast alley

A number of homes were evacuated on Tuesday night as a security operation was launched

epa07261133 (FILE) - Northern Ireland's PSNI crest outside Antrim police station in Antrim, Northern Ireland, 02 May 2014 (reissued 04 January 2019). British media reports on 04 January 2019 state Police Service of Northern Ireland, PSNI has asked up to 1,000 officers to be deployed in Northern Ireland as a reinforcement in case of a no-deal Brexit. Authorities fear violence could occur if a hard border will be established between EU member Ireland and Northern Ireland. EPA/PAUL MCERLANE

Police said they responded to reports of a loud bang in an alley at about 8.20pm on Tuesday. Photograph: Paul McErlane

Wed Aug 2 2023 - 09:54

The explosion of a pipe bomb device in a residential area of east Belfast has been slammed by police as “reckless”.

A number of homes in the Hyndford Street area off the Beersbridge Road were evacuated on Tuesday night as a security operation was launched.

Police said they responded to reports of a loud bang in an alley at about 8.20pm.

Army bomb experts attended the scene and discovered what has been described as a “crude pipe bomb-type device” next to a household bin.

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No one was reported to have been injured in the incident which left minor damage to the bin.

The remnants of the device will be subjected to forensic examination.

Inspector Greg Dawson described it as a “reckless act carried out in a residential area with no consideration given as to who this device could have injured or killed”.

He thanked those in the local community for their patience during the evacuation of homes for a number of hours.

“I would ask anyone who noticed anyone acting suspicious in the area to call us on 101 quoting 1889 01/08/23,” he said. – PA

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