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24/09/2019
Improvised Device Found At Belfast School
Police have blamed dissident republicans for "endangering the lives of children" by leaving an improvised weapon in the grounds of a north Belfast school.
The weapon, which had the potential to fire a high calibre round, was uncovered during a security alert at Holy Cross Boys Primary School on Monday afternoon, 23 September.
Officers were to remain in the Brookfield Street area overnight, and the school has remained closed today, Tuesday 24.
Police believe the improvised device was most likely planted in an attempt to kill or seriously injure their officers. District Commander for Belfast, Chief Superintendent Jonathan Roberts hit out at those behind the "reckless and highly stupid act".
"The fact that it was left in the grounds of a local primary school shows that those responsible have callous disregard for local children and members of the local community," he said.
"This is an act of utmost recklessness and a highly stupid act. Those responsible do not represent any kind of cause; they do not represent any section of the community. They have endangered the lives of children. The weapon was left in the immediate area where the youngest children who attend school would be playing during the course of the school day."
Sinn Fein Councillor Ryan Murphy said there is shock in the local community following the discovery.
"Those responsible for leaving this dangerous device inside the grounds of the school put the lives of pupils and staff as well as the whole local community at risk," he commented.
"This could have caused serious injury or worse to anyone.
"Those responsible have once again shown their complete and total disregard for the lives of children and our local community.
"They have nothing to offer the community and need to disband and call an end to these reckless and futile actions immediately."
Detectives from the Terrorism Investigation Unit have commenced an investigation and are appealing for anyone with information, or who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the area to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference 1169 23/09/19.
Details can also be provided in confidence by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
(JG/CM)
The weapon, which had the potential to fire a high calibre round, was uncovered during a security alert at Holy Cross Boys Primary School on Monday afternoon, 23 September.
Officers were to remain in the Brookfield Street area overnight, and the school has remained closed today, Tuesday 24.
Police believe the improvised device was most likely planted in an attempt to kill or seriously injure their officers. District Commander for Belfast, Chief Superintendent Jonathan Roberts hit out at those behind the "reckless and highly stupid act".
"The fact that it was left in the grounds of a local primary school shows that those responsible have callous disregard for local children and members of the local community," he said.
"This is an act of utmost recklessness and a highly stupid act. Those responsible do not represent any kind of cause; they do not represent any section of the community. They have endangered the lives of children. The weapon was left in the immediate area where the youngest children who attend school would be playing during the course of the school day."
Sinn Fein Councillor Ryan Murphy said there is shock in the local community following the discovery.
"Those responsible for leaving this dangerous device inside the grounds of the school put the lives of pupils and staff as well as the whole local community at risk," he commented.
"This could have caused serious injury or worse to anyone.
"Those responsible have once again shown their complete and total disregard for the lives of children and our local community.
"They have nothing to offer the community and need to disband and call an end to these reckless and futile actions immediately."
Detectives from the Terrorism Investigation Unit have commenced an investigation and are appealing for anyone with information, or who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the area to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference 1169 23/09/19.
Details can also be provided in confidence by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
(JG/CM)
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