Pipe Bomb May Have Been Thrown At Police

A pipe bomb may have been thrown at PSNI officers in north Belfast, it has been revealed.

The announcement follows the discovery of the device during a security alert on the Whitewell Road on Wednesday night.

The viable device was located close to commercial premises and led to a number of homes being evacuated at about 23:00 on Wednesday evening.

Army bomb experts made the area safe and the last residents were allowed to return home at 05:00 on on Thursday morning.

Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín said the bomb "did nothing but cause disruption for the local community."

She said: "Up to fifty families were forced out of their homes after midnight last night and did not get back home again until near 06:00 this morning.

"Local councillor Tierna Cunningham, who was on the ground last night during the alert, said it was fortunate that a community hall was available for families affected.

"Whoever left this device should explain to local residents what they have achieved by forcing families from their homes on a cold, wet, night."

SDLP North Belfast Councillor Patrick Convery said: "Those responsible for throwing this pipe bomb were acting in a totally reckless manner. They caused a great deal of inconvenience to people living in the Whitewell road area.

"The fact that this was a viable device is extremely worrying and we are very fortunate that someone has not been injured or indeed worse.

"Those behind this security alert have nothing positive to offer our society. All they do is cause fear and disruption to the local community."

(IT/CD)