A MECHANICAL fault caused a car to go on fire and sparked a security alert, police have confirmed.
British Army bomb disposal officers were sent to the scene on the A2 between Bangor and Belfast after it had been reported that it was an attack on a serving or former female police officer.
The road was closed in both directions for several hours while the bomb squad examined the Volkswagen but reopened at lunchtime. The female driver was not injured when her car went on fire close to the Ballyrobert Road junction at around 8.30am.
Initially DUP MP Ian Paisley said it was a "terrorist attack" involving a "suspected under car booby trap device". He later tweeted: "UPDATE reports suggest this was a major malfunction of the vehicle and not terrorist related. If so that's a huge relief and I hope those involved are uninjured"
I understand that a Terrorist attack on police officer in Ballyrobert Co Antrim has taken place. Suspected Under car booby trap device. My concern is for the officer and family of officer. Terrorism will never prevail.
— Ian Paisley MP (@ianpaisleymp) March 6, 2018
UUP North Down assembly member Alan Chambers also condemned the incident and said he was relieved the woman escaped injury.
At lunchtime police released a statement confirming "that a mechanical fault is believed to be the cause of a car fire on A2 between Belfast and Bangor".
A2 remains closed this morning between Belfast and Bangor due to ongoing incident at junction of Ballyrobert Road pic.twitter.com/ihh7zaam3q
— PSNI Ards & N. Down (@PSNIArdsNDown) March 6, 2018
The A2 reopened before 2pm.
Belfast bound traffic had been diverted off the A2 at Cootehall Rd and Ballysallagh Road and through Crawfordsburn and Helen's Bay with queues in both villages. Bangor bound traffic was diverted on to Craigdarragh Road and through Helen's Bay, however, HGVs were rerouted along Ballymoney Road.
The A2 had been closed at Marino for a time and traffic redirected along Whinney Hill and Craigantlet.
North Down: A2 Belfast Road has been closed at Ballyrobert Road due to an ongoing incident. No further information at present.
— Trafficwatch NI (@TrafficwatchNI) March 6, 2018
Motorists are advised to avoid the main A2 between Belfast and Bangor following reports of a car on fire at the junction of Ballyrobert Road.
— PSNI Ards & N. Down (@PSNIArdsNDown) March 6, 2018
Diversions are in place and motorists should seek an alternative route for their journey.
In other traffic news, motorists are advised to reduce their speed and exercise caution this morning in the Sprucefield area following reports of a fuel spillage on the roundabout at the Park & Ride.