A MAJOR security alert took place in Twinbrook after a member of the public handed in a pipe bomb to a community group’s offices.

A British Army bomb disposal team was called to the Jasmine End office of Community Restorative Justice Ireland (CRJI) on Tuesday evening after the device, which was later declared viable, was handed in.

CRJI Director Harry Maguire said a man had found the bomb in the street and was concerned about its potential danger.

“A member of the public found what he believed to be a dangerous device,” he said.  “He was worried about the risk to children and he decided to bring it to our local office in Jasmine End.  The office immediately contacted the police because of the dangerous nature of this device. Our only concern in this incident has been to keep children and local people safe from what is a potentially lethal device and ensure that no one gets hurt.”

Local Sinn Féin councillor for the area, Charlene O’Hara, said the incident caused huge disruption in the district.

Consequence

“Three families were advised to leave their homes while others were advised to stay at the back of their houses,” she said.  “As a consequence, family life was disrupted and some local businesses also had to close. It’s hard enough to make a profit as it is without incidents like this. Most importantly, this was a viable device and there was a very real risk that it could have exploded anywhere. This man could have lost his life, anyone near it could have been injured or killed had it gone off.  I utterly condemn this incident, these careless antics are not welcome in Twinbrook.”

A PSNI spokesman said: “An ATO (army technical officer) examined a suspicious object discovered in the area and declared it to be a viable pipe bomb type device, which has been taken away for further examination,” he said.

Incident

“Police would appeal to anyone with any information about this incident to contact them at Lisburn PSNI Station on 0845 600 8000. Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”