‘Reckless criminals’ are blamed for pipe bomb blast at house in Belfast
A VIABLE pipe bomb exploded just yards from homes where young children live in west Belfast.
The device detonated at the back of a house after it was thrown at the property in the Creeslough Court area of Lenadoon shortly after 8pm on Wednesday.
No one was injured during the incident, which caused a small amount of damage to a fence.
Army technical teams were called to the scene and examined the remnants of what has been described as a viable pipe bombtype device.
Items were removed from the scene for further examination, police added.
The attack has been widely condemned by political representatives.
SDLP councillor Brian Heading
❝ This device was thrown in an area populated with young families and elderly
described it as a “significant threat” on the community.
He said: “It’s sickening that, 20 years after the Good Friday Agreement, people are still involved in this depraved attacks, threatening families and children.
“Those behind this viable device are reckless criminals who pose a significant threat to this community.
“They have no support and should receive no shelter here. “The only way to end these attacks is for local people to come forward to the police with information.”
West Belfast councillor Arder Carson also condemned the incident as “extremely reckless”.
“This device was thrown in a residential area, populated with young families and elderly residents,” the Sinn Fein man said.
“My understanding is that this was a viable bomb and this is an extremely reckless incident which has place the lives of residents at risk.
“Those responsible have no regard at all for local people.
“I unreservedly condemn this attack and anyone with information should bring that forward to the PSNI.”
Detectives are appealing for witnesses following the explosion.
Detective Sergeant Gardiner said: “Those responsible for this reckless attack showed blatant disregard for the occupants of the property and the local community. Thankfully, no one was injured when this device detonated in the rear garden of the house.
“The overwhelming number of people in the community do not want this type of activity and we, as a police service, will continue to work to bring those responsible before the courts.”