A dramatic rescue unfolded at the police station as officers managed to pull two infants from a bomb-laden car moments before it exploded, preventing an imminent tragedy.
Two infants were literally snatched by officers to safety just seconds before a bomb-laden car detonated right outside the walls of the police station. Remarkably, no one was killed or injured as a result of the incident. The counter-terrorism police immediately launched an investigation into the attempted murder, suspecting a dissident group.
This same group had previously forced a pizza driver to deliver a bomb to another station, indicating their methods and goals.
Late on Sunday, April 26, a suspicious van was discovered outside the police station in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with a gas canister in the trunk. At the moment officers were pulling the children from the vehicle, it suddenly detonated, scattering debris and instantly engulfing in flames. Local residents were swiftly evacuated from their homes to ensure their safety.
This incident, already dubbed a "miraculous occurrence," fortunately resulted in no casualties or injuries, which was a great relief. The counter-terrorism police are actively investigating the incident as an attempted murder. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders in Northern Ireland.
First Minister Michelle O'Neill firmly stated that the perpetrators of the explosion "cannot speak for anyone," emphasizing their isolation and lack of support.
Statement from the Deputy Chief Constable
Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton commented, expressing sympathy for all those affected by this cowardly attack. He mentioned residents who are unable to return home, as well as the brave officers and their families who, while grateful for the safety of their loved ones, are undoubtedly shaken by the events.
Singleton assured the public that the Police Service of Northern Ireland will not be stopped or distracted by this senseless and reckless attack. He emphasized that society has made significant progress and will not allow those seeking to push it back to succeed.
Connection to Previous Incidents
This attack occurred exactly one month after a similar incident when a pizza driver was forced at gunpoint to use his vehicle to deliver an explosive device to the Lurgan police station. At that time, the bomb fortunately did not detonate, but the incident was classified as a terrorist act. Deputy Chief Constable Singleton confirmed the presence of "similarities" between the two events.
The police are investigating, operating under the assumption that the recent attack was carried out by the group known as the "New IRA," also referred to as the "Real Irish Republican Army."
Singleton also noted that the bomb found near Dunmurry, despite its modest size, was used with "recklessness," and officers had received no warnings about the impending attack. The chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Brendan Mallon, emphasized that this attack was meticulously planned to "cause maximum harm" to the residential area.
History of the Activities of the New IRA
The New IRA has previously claimed responsibility for a number of attacks on various targets both in Northern Ireland and across the rest of the UK. In 2017, Irish police successfully thwarted a major attack by discovering six kilograms of explosives in one of Dublin's offices.
In 2019, the group sent five suspicious packages to major transport hubs, including London City Airport, Waterloo Station, and Heathrow Airport. In 2023, they plotted to disrupt then-President Joe Biden's visit to Belfast, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
