Explosion Targeted Police Officers in Dunmurry
A device detonated in a car outside a police station in the Kingsway area of Dunmurry, near Belfast, with the intent "to kill officers and cause maximum harm," according to Brendan Mullan, chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
The explosion occurred late on Saturday, prompting the evacuation of nearby homes. Authorities have established cordons and advised the public to avoid the area.
Community and Political Leaders Respond
First Minister Michelle O'Neill condemned the attack, stating that those responsible "have no vision, no support, and have nothing to offer our society."
"Our communities deserve peace."
"No one is going to deny our young people and future generations that."
"We will keep progressing and we will keep moving forward to a better future. I have been in contact with local representatives to extend my solidarity and support to all those impacted."
Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood expressed her concern over the incident, noting the absence of casualties and thanking the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and emergency services for their response.
"It is distressing and disturbing to wake up to the news that a car bomb exploded outside Dunmurry police station," she said.
"It is deeply concerning that this comes just weeks after a similar attack just past the other end of Lagan Valley in Lurgan."
"The good and decent people of Northern Ireland, from right across all communities, rejected the bomb and the bullet in the past and will do so again."
DUP leader Gavin Robinson emphasized the need for a swift investigation.
"The full facts of what happened must be established urgently."
"Those responsible must be identified and brought before the courts."
West Belfast MP Paul Maskey criticized those involved, stating they "represent no one, are void of support and have nothing to offer our society."
"They should get off the backs of our communities who want to live in peace and continue moving forward to a better future," he said.
"What is clear is that the overwhelming majority of the public rejects these ridiculous actions and understands they achieve nothing but disruption."
Police and Officials Condemn Attack
Brendan Mullan described the explosive device as intended "to kill officers and cause maximum harm in an attack which was in the heart of a residential area."
"It is a miracle no one was seriously injured and we thank the officers, ATO and emergency services who initially responded, and have been working to ensure everyone's safety since," he said.
Mullan noted this was the second recent incident targeting a police station, calling it "depressing."
"The people have spoken when they overwhelmingly endorsed the Good Friday Agreement,"
"Such acts of violence have no place in a society committed to peace. We stand united in condemnation of those responsible for this terror, and in voicing support for the work of the officers and staff of the PSNI."
Secretary of State Hilary Benn described the attack as "a cowardly attempt to cause injury and destruction."
"By targeting a police station in the heart of a residential area, those responsible have shown a total disregard for the lives of local people and for the men and women who work to keep our communities safe," he said.
"We are resolute in our commitment to peace, and these actions will only strengthen our collective determination."
