Northern Ireland

Bomb found in west Belfast, police confirm

A bomb disposal robot removes an item from undergrowth as a security alert continues on the Pantridge Road in Poleglass. Picture by Mal McCann
A bomb disposal robot removes an item from undergrowth as a security alert continues on the Pantridge Road in Poleglass. Picture by Mal McCann A bomb disposal robot removes an item from undergrowth as a security alert continues on the Pantridge Road in Poleglass. Picture by Mal McCann

An explosive device "primarily designed to attack armoured vehicles" has been found in west Belfast.

The security alert in the Pantridge Road began on Monday after new dissident republican group Arm na Poblachta claimed it had left a bomb in the area.

Police said British Army bomb disposal experts had found it to be "an explosively formed projectile (EFP)".

Belfast District Commander Chief Superintendent Jonathan Roberts said the bomb was designed to kill or seriously injure police officers but "could have killed or maimed members of the public".

"Those responsible have shown callous disregard for the safety of members of the public and the police officers serving this community." 

CS Roberts thanked the Poleglass community for their patience as a number of households had to be evacuated.

“I understand the security operation caused significant disruption to people in the area, but it was required in order to keep people safe."

He added: “We have had officers in the area since Monday afternoon. These officers have worked hard to keep people safe during the security operation. However, these same officers would have otherwise been better utilised in keeping people safe through working in partnership and addressing key community concerns around crime and anti-social behaviour."

The senior officer appealed for information.

“Detectives from Serious Crime Branch have now commenced an investigation into this incident. I am aware of a claim of responsibility having been made to a local news outlet and this will form part of that investigation. I am specifically appealing for anyone who noticed anyone at a public telephone at the junction of Skyline Drive and the Bellsize Road at around 11.10am on Monday 30th to contact us. We would also like to hear from anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the vicinity of the Pantridge Road / Brian’s Well Road over the weekend of Friday 27th to Monday 30th October to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference 865 30/10/17.”

Secretary of State James Brokenshire said police and army bomb disposal experts had worked "tirelessly to keep people safe and prevent this device exploding". 

"I am very glad to say that they have succeeded, an act of terror has been avoided and lives have been saved," he said."I would encourage anyone with information about this foiled attack to share it with the police."