A bomb which exploded in the centre of Belfast where hundreds of people were packed into bars and restaurants had the potential to kill, police have said.
The blast in the city's bustling Cathedral Quarter has been blamed on dissident republicans opposed to the peace process.
Christmas partygoers were evacuated when the device detonated just before 7pm on Friday evening. There were no reports of any injuries.
Chief Superintendent Alan McCrum said the bombing had been a totally reckless attack that could have killed or maimed anyone nearby when the device went off.
"This was an attack on the people of Belfast going about their normal lives on a busy night for socialising in the city. This attack ruined the night out for these people., " he said.
"Those who carried out this attack have nothing to offer except disruption and destruction. Police would appeal for continued community support and vigilance on the run up to Christmas in seeking to disrupt or deter any further attack on the city."
Hundreds of people were evaucated. Pic: Mark Ashbridge A warning had been given about a device, however it was left at a different location to that named in a call to a newspaper.
It is understood the device was contained in a box that was left on a pavement in front of a busy restaurant.
Stormont's Justice Minister David Ford said the blast was an "attempt to kill or injure innocent people".
"The people carrying out these attacks have set out no reason and explained no cause for their acts of senseless violence. Their only aim seems to be to injure and disrupt. They ignore the strength of public support for normality and peace, especially at this Christmas season."
Security has been ramped up in the city since a man was forced by masked dissidents to drive a car bomb to a shopping centre that faces a police station last month. That 60kg (132lb) device only partially exploded and no-one was injured.
While the threat posed by the violent extremists has remained classed as severe, police have acknowledged a "surge" in activity has taken place in recent weeks.
:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.
Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang
Belfast Bomb Was 'Attempt To Injure Or Kill'
Dengan url
http://kotasepisunyi.blogspot.com/2013/12/belfast-bomb-was-attempt-to-injure-or.html
Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya
Belfast Bomb Was 'Attempt To Injure Or Kill'
namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link
Belfast Bomb Was 'Attempt To Injure Or Kill'
sebagai sumbernya
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar