Viable pipe bomb found under car in North Belfast
The device has been made safe
A viable pipe bomb has been made safe after being found underneath a car in North Belfast.
Police say if it had of exploded so close to a petrol tank the consequences “could have been devastating”.
The device was thrown at a house in Havana Court last night.
Families were evacuated from their homes overnight due to the security operation.
A PSNI statement said, “A security alert in north Belfast, which led to residents being evacuated from their homes overnight, has now ended.”
“Police received a report at approximately 10.30pm on Sunday, 7th November, that a pipe bomb had been thrown at a house in Havana Court.”
Inspector Curry said, “An item was then located under a car.”
“Our officers attended the scene, alongside ammunition technical officers (ATO). The item was deemed to be a viable pipe bomb and was made safe before being removed for further examination.”
Inspector Curry continued, “If the pipe bomb had exploded underneath the car, so close to a petrol tank, the consequences could have been devastating.”
“A number of people had to leave their homes overnight as this safety operation was carried out and we thank them for their patience – we never underestimate the impact this disruption has on the public.”