The device went off after a car was ‘hijacked’ from a delivery driver and had a gas cylinder placed in the boot of the vehicle, Northern Ireland’s Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said
A suspected car bomb has exploded outside a police station as cops say they believe the attack was aimed “to kill officers and cause maximum harm”. The device went off after a car was “hijacked” from a delivery driver and had a gas cylinder placed in the boot of the vehicle, Northern Ireland’s Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said.
Locals had to leave their homes as officers evacuated the area amid fears more bombs could go off. The explosion happened late on Saturday in the Kingsway area of Dunmurry, on the outskirts of Belfast. Members of the public have been asked to avoid the area still now, with cordons still in place as investigations remain ongoing.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill slated those behind the attack outside Dunmurry station. She said they have “have no vision, no support, and have nothing to offer our society”.
Northern Ireland Policing Board chairman Brendan Mullan said the device “was sent to kill officers and cause maximum harm in an attack which was in the heart of a residential area”.
He stated: “Those responsible had callous disregard for people living close to the station and who so easily could have been caught up in this explosion.
“It is a miracle no one was seriously injured and we thank the officers, ATO and emergency services who initially responded, and have been working to ensure everyone’s safety since. This is the second incident at a police station in recent weeks which is depressing. The people have spoken when they overwhelmingly endorsed the Good Friday Agreement.
The burnt out car remains at the scene with forensic officers still gathering evidence.
Such acts of violence have no place in a society committed to peace. We stand united in condemnation of those responsible for this terror, and in voicing support for the work of the officers and staff of the PSNI.”
Ms O’Neill said those behind the attack “speak for absolutely no one”. She posted on social media: “They have no vision, no support, and have nothing to offer our society. Our communities deserve peace. No-one is going to deny our young people and future generations that. We will keep progressing and we will keep moving forward to a better future.”