LISTEN: Residents forced to stay inside Belfast home as ATO defuse 'viable' device

By Brett Campbell

Residents of a house in west Belfast were forced to stay in their property while army bomb experts deactivated a "viable"  pipe-bomb outside. 

The device was discovered close to the property on Lagmore Grove around 11 o clock last night.

But the occupants were unable to evacuate due to lockdown measures put in place to combat the spread of coronavirus. 

Belfast's Lord Mayor Danny Baker condemned those behind the attack.   

"Earlier this morning a suspect device was left at a house in the Lagmore area.

"The area was sealed off while the device was dealt with..

"This was a senseless act and shows little regard for the community, our key workers, emergency services and health workers.

“I appeal for anyone on any information to bring it forward to the PSNI.

“These reckless actions are in stark contrast to the efforts of workers carrying out essential work.

“Those responsible offer nothing only disrupting the efforts of our emergency services to help those in most need at this time of crisis.

"Our key workers are already under immense pressure as they work whilst the rest of us remain home in our battle against COVID-19.”

A PSNI statement said officers are appealing for information after a security alert in west Belfast last night (Friday 27th March).

Chief Inspector Gary Reid added: "We received information that what was described as a pipe-bomb type device was discovered close to a property in Lagmore Grove at approximately 11pm. 

"Our officers attended the scene and spoke with the occupants of the property, and with local residents to advise them of the situation. 

"Due to the Coronavirus health crisis they were advised not to leave their homes, but instead to remain at the back of their properties while ATO made the device safe. 

"The device was subsequently taken away for further examination and, I can confirm today (Saturday, 28th March), it contained component parts which, had the device been detonated, would have made it viable." 

Officers are working to establish a motive and the circumstances surrounding the incident, and identify who is responsible. 

Chief Inspector Reid continued: “It is clear whoever is responsible has no respect, or regard, for the valuable police resources that were diverted away from other community priorities. 

"It beggars belief, that given the unprecedented challenges we, as a Police Service, face in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic that there are still reckless individuals out there determined to put the lives of others at risk as they did last night in Lagmore Grove. 

"This is already a stressful and worrying time for people so, if ever there was a time for this type of senseless activity to stop, it is now.

“I am appealing to anyone who has any information which can lead us to those responsible to please call us on 101, and quote reference number 186 of 27/03/20 or Crimestoppers 0800 55 111."