Reports of blast close to west Belfast republican condemned

By Rebecca Black, PA

Reports of a blast close to the home of a west Belfast republican have been condemned.

Sinn Fein MP Paul Maskey said community worker Harry Maguire was informed by police of threats against him on Friday evening.

Two addresses were specified in the Andersonstown area.

One of the properties is where his 85-year-old mother lives.

A few hours later the sound of a blast in the area was reported.

"Police got a phone call to say there was a threat on Harry Maguire, they gave two addresses, one of his mother who is 85 years of age, and one of his partner," Mr Maskey said.

"Then there was a loud bang that was heard in the area last night.

"I have been speaking to a number of residents this morning who are saying they heard what they described as a loud blast.

"Police were out doing searches last night, they didn't discover anything, they were out again this morning.

"Obviously this is very concerning.

"Harry is a republican, he's a community activist, he works for the betterment of this community and has done so for many years.

"I think it is very concerning when one of the addresses is of his 85-year-old mother, I think it is unfair, it's unfair on the entire family circle and it is unfair on this community because Harry works for this community, he has made a massive positive difference in areas like west Belfast and beyond.

"This attack on Harry is an attack on the entire community.

"It baffles me why this attack and this threat was carried out on Harry.

"Those involved need to come out and give the rationale and explain to this community, to Harry and his 85-year-old mother why this threat was carried out.

"It should never have happened."

The threats come after senior Sinn Fein members were warned by police of dissident republican plots to attack them.

Deputy leader Michelle O'Neill and MLA Gerry Kelly were made aware of threats against them a short time after attending a PSNI recruitment event.

Mr Maskey said he is not sure who is behind the threats against Mr Maguire.

He said all the threats are "unjust" and "uncalled for".

"As a Sinn Fein elected representative, obviously you are concerned, concerned for your own family members as well and have to carry out your own security measures," he added.

A PSNI officer said a report was received around 9.30pm on Friday that two pipe bombs had been left in the Andersonstown area.

"Police attended and carried out extensive searches," Chief Inspector Gary Reid said.

"Nothing untoward was found in either location.

"However, if anyone should come across anything which appears suspicious, do not lift or touch it.

"Rather, phone police immediately on 999.

"Anyone with information is asked to get in touch on 101, quoting reference 1890 of 21/02/20."