‘Viable’ bomb in school alert (UTV)
A viable pipe bomb with the capacity to kill has been found at the centre of an alert near a number of schools in west Belfast.
Bomb disposal experts attended the scene at the Glen Road, near St Teresa’s Primary School, early on Tuesday morning.
St Teresa’s was closed for the day, while other post-primary schools were also affected and a number of homes evacuated.
“We can confirm that it was a viable pipe bomb which had the capacity to kill or maim,” PSNI District Commander, Chief Superintendent Mark Hamilton, said.
“It is perhaps particularly chilling given the fact that there is a primary school close to the scene.
“There is absolutely no doubt that this device was intended to murder and we would ask anyone with any information to come forward and tell us what they know about this.”
The alert was sparked following a fire at a nearby shop, which was attended by police and fire crews – officers discovered the suspicious device after re-examining the area.
“The stark reality is that anyone, including children, could have found this device,” local Sinn Fein MP Paul Maskey said, slamming those responsible.
“The device was discovered at a local shop that was destroyed in a fire last night. Beside this shop is a bakery and chip shop, a nursery and just across the road, St Theresa’ Primary School, youth club and chapel. This is a very busy area which many children use.
“Those behind this must realise the stupidity of their actions – they have been reckless in the utmost and have shown no regard for the local community whom they claim to represent.”
The security operation – which is ongoing, although the pipe bomb has been made safe and removed for forensic examination – caused major disruption in the area.
“I really feel for the parents,” principal of St Teresa’s, Catherine Molloy, told UTV.
“Trying to find someone to look after the children as they’re going to work is very inconvenient and the children obviously are missing a day of their education so it’s hugely disruptive.”
The chairman of the West Belfast District Policing Partnership, the SDLP’s Tim Attwood witnessed the disruption as he left his son to nursery school.
“This is a despicable act,” he said. “I saw first-hand the level of disruption – a business destroyed, a primary school closed, other local schools affected and huge traffic congestion.”
Police thanked everyone affected for their patience, with Chief Superintendent Hamilton adding: “The blame for any disruption today lies squarely with the misguided individuals who were responsible for this device being on a busy road close to peoples’ homes.”
Kennedy Way to Coolnasilla Drive along the Glen Road remains closed and motorists are advised to seek alternative main routes for their journey. Closures may be place for much of the day.
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irlanda del nord, News