Security alert after car ‘explosion’ outside Belfast police station

By David Young and Claudia Savage, Press Association

A security alert is under way in Dunmurry in Northern Ireland after reports of a car explosion outside a police station.

Homes in the area, which is on the outskirts of Belfast, have been evacuated and members of the public have been advised to avoid the scene.

Sinn Féin Assembly member for the area Danny Baker expressed concern in a post on social media.

“There have been reports of an explosion close to the Dunmurry police station,” he said.

“I would ask anyone travelling in that direction to avoid the area and if residents need support, to get in touch.

“At this stage, there is very little information, and I hope no-one is hurt.”

DUP leader Gavin Robinson described the reports as “deeply concerning”.

He said: “If this was another attempt by dissident republicans to intimidate communities and target the police, then it must be met with the full force of the law.”

Robinson added: “Our police officers and the wider public should never have to face this kind of danger.

“Those responsible must be identified and brought before the courts.”

In a statement, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said: “Police are currently at the scene of a security alert in the Kingsway area of Dunmurry this morning, Sunday April 26.

“Members of the public are asked to avoid the area. Cordons are in place and an evacuation operation is under way.

“An update will follow in due course.”

Last month an explosive device that police described as “crude but viable” was at the centre of an attempted attack on another PSNI station in Northern Ireland.

A delivery driver was forced at gunpoint to transport the device to Lurgan police station in an incident blamed on dissident republicans.

The device did not explode on that occasion.