Pipe bomb detonates in front garden of West Belfast home

Q Newsdesk

Residents in Aitnamona Crescent in West Belfast have escaped injury after a pipe bomb detonated there last night.

Remnants of the device were found in the front garden of a property in the area this morning.

A number of families were evacuated from their houses today while police investigations were carried out.

The security alert has now ended and people have been allowed to return to their homes.
 

Police are currently at the scene of a security alert in the Aitnamona Crescent area of west Belfast following the discovery of a suspicious object in the front garden of a house. Aitnamona Crescent has been closed to traffic and a number of homes in the area evacuated.

— PSNI West Belfast (@PSNIBelfastW) October 27, 2019

A PSNI statement said:

"Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a pipe bomb type device detonated in the front garden of a house in Aitnamona Crescent in west Belfast last night, Saturday 26 October."

"The occupant of the property reported hearing what they believed was a firework going off around 11.30pm last night.  This morning they discovered the remnants of a pipe bomb type device in the front garden.  The front door of the house had also been damaged as a result of the incident. "

"ATO attended the scene and the remnants of the device have been removed for further examination."

Detective Inspector Stephen Harvey said:

“Thankfully no one was injured as a result of this reckless attack.  We are working to establish a motive for this incident and I am appealing to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area last night or anyone with any information that could help our investigation to contact detectives in Musgrave Police Station on 101, quoting reference number 679 27/10/19.  Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”