Belfast police attack ‘bears dissident hallmarks’
Dissidents have been blamed after a device thrown at a police patrol in north Belfast exploded in mid-air, damaging a car.
Officers were responding to a routine call in Victoria Parade in the New Lodge area on Tuesday evening.
It’s thought a device was thrown at a PSNI Land Rover.
Police said a considerable number of homes had to be evacuated as a precaution in the resulting security operation.
A significant police presence remained in the area on Wednesday morning before the alert wrapped up.
Residents reported hearing a loud bang.
There were no reports of any injuries, however, damage was caused to a car’s windscreen.
Speaking to the press on Wednesday afternoon, officers confirmed the attack bears the hallmarks of dissident republicans.
They added that one line of investigation is that police were lured into the area with reports of a burglary before being targeted.
PSNI say officers were responding to a burglary when a bomb was thrown at them in n Belfast. Lucky no-one was killed. pic.twitter.com/VNDedj48ui
— Sara Moore (@saramoore_utv) April 22, 2015
Chief Superintendent Nigel Grimshaw added: “If someone had been inside this vehicle, they most likely would have sustained serious injuries or could have been killed.
“We know that these types of incidents are carried out by a small but mindless number of people within our communities.
“They have shown a callous disregard for the safety of the local community and the police officers who serve it.
“We are very fortunate this morning that no one was killed or seriously injured as this incident occurred in a residential area, putting the lives of those living there at serious risk.”
Investigations continuing into attempted attack on police patrol in new lodge. Loud bang heard. No one injured. pic.twitter.com/p2iprlP7R7
— Paul Reilly (@Paul_UTV) April 22, 2015
He added: “The Police Service of Northern Ireland is committed to providing a service across Northern Ireland despite the attempts of a small minority who attempt to kill officers serving their community who should be allowed to carry out their duties without the added pressure of misguided individuals intent on causing them harm.
“North Queen Street Community Centre remains available to people within the area.
“We apologise for the disruption but it is unfortunately unavoidable.
“Our first priority must be to ensure the area is thoroughly checked and that it is safe for local people.
“But we need the community support in trying to deal with this.
“Someone has seen something and I would ask them to contact police or Crimestoppers.
“Any little piece of information could be vital.”
He continued: “I would appeal to anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity or anyone acting suspiciously in the Victoria Parade/Grainne House area particularly between 21:20 and 22:45 to contact Detectives at Musgrave on the non-emergency number 101.
“Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
