Justice minister condemns those behind 'reckless' bomb found in Belfast

By Q Radio News

Northern Ireland's Justice Minister has condemned those responsible for leaving a bomb on a footpath in Belfast. 

The viable device - which sparked a security alert on the Upper Lisburn Road yesterday evening - has been taken away by police for examination.  

Naomi Long described their actions as 'beyond reckless' and warned innocent people could have been killed. 

“To leave an explosive device on a public footpath like this is beyond reckless," she said.

"Those responsible have no regard for human life.

"They are motivated by a need to create fear and disruption in our community and they do not care if innocent people are injured or killed as a result of their cowardly actions. 

“Thankfully, due to the swift actions of the public and the professionalism and expertise of the ATO and police, a potentially serious incident has been averted."

Detective Sergeant Gardiner said: “ATO have declared the object to be a viable device and have removed it for further examination.

“The road, which was temporarily closed, has now reopened.

“I’d like to thank local people, who have had their evening disrupted, for their patience as we worked to make the area safe.

“The device was found on a footpath, where anyone – including children – could easily have come across it. 

“This was a wicked and cowardly act, with potentially devastating consequences, and we are working to establish a motive and identify those responsible.

“I am appealing to anyone with information, or who noticed any suspicious activity in the area, to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 1287 of 05/06/20.”