09/02/2026
Two Arrested in Connection with Hoax Bomb Calls
Detectives investigating a spree of hoax bomb calls that targeted businesses across Northern Ireland between Saturday 31 January and Monday 2 February have arrested two men.
The suspects, aged 46 and 32, were detained in East Belfast on Wednesday 4 February. They are being questioned on suspicion of several offences, including communicating false information to cause a bomb hoax, intimidation, and drug-related crimes. Both individuals have since been released on bail to allow for further police enquiries.
The series of malicious calls caused significant disruption across Belfast, County Antrim, and County Down. In each instance, police were forced to carry out extensive security searches of the targeted premises before the alerts could be officially declared hoaxes.
Detective Inspector Keon stated: "When the calls were received, extensive searches took place in the relevant areas before the calls were deemed to be hoaxes. Our investigation is ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with information to contact us."
As part of the ongoing probe, investigators have issued a specific appeal for witnesses or anyone with recording devices in two areas of Lisburn. Detectives are particularly interested in the Beechland Drive area between 1am and 5am on Saturday 31 January, and the Hillhall Gardens area between 9pm and 11pm on Monday 2 February.
Inspector Keon added: "Dashcam or CCTV footage you may have recorded in the named areas in these timeframes could be vital to our investigation."
Anyone with information that could assist the Police Service of Northern Ireland is urged to call 101, quoting the reference number 1716 02/02/26. Reports can also be submitted online via the PSNI's non-emergency reporting portal. Information can also be provided with total anonymity through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The suspects, aged 46 and 32, were detained in East Belfast on Wednesday 4 February. They are being questioned on suspicion of several offences, including communicating false information to cause a bomb hoax, intimidation, and drug-related crimes. Both individuals have since been released on bail to allow for further police enquiries.
The series of malicious calls caused significant disruption across Belfast, County Antrim, and County Down. In each instance, police were forced to carry out extensive security searches of the targeted premises before the alerts could be officially declared hoaxes.
As part of the ongoing probe, investigators have issued a specific appeal for witnesses or anyone with recording devices in two areas of Lisburn. Detectives are particularly interested in the Beechland Drive area between 1am and 5am on Saturday 31 January, and the Hillhall Gardens area between 9pm and 11pm on Monday 2 February.
Inspector Keon added: "Dashcam or CCTV footage you may have recorded in the named areas in these timeframes could be vital to our investigation."
Anyone with information that could assist the Police Service of Northern Ireland is urged to call 101, quoting the reference number 1716 02/02/26. Reports can also be submitted online via the PSNI's non-emergency reporting portal. Information can also be provided with total anonymity through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 June 2015
Police Release CCTV Images Of Man Following Bomb Hoax Calls
Police investigating a series of bomb hoax calls have released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to. The footage was taken on the Cliftonville Road in north Belfast on 29 August 2014. Detectives are appealing to the public's help to identify the man.
Police Release CCTV Images Of Man Following Bomb Hoax Calls
Police investigating a series of bomb hoax calls have released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to. The footage was taken on the Cliftonville Road in north Belfast on 29 August 2014. Detectives are appealing to the public's help to identify the man.
15 September 2011
One In Five NI 999 Calls Not Emergencies
According to the latest records, one in five 999 calls in Northern Ireland last year did not actually require emergency assistance. Approximately 28,500 calls made last year did not require the expertise of a paramedic when they arrived at the scene.
One In Five NI 999 Calls Not Emergencies
According to the latest records, one in five 999 calls in Northern Ireland last year did not actually require emergency assistance. Approximately 28,500 calls made last year did not require the expertise of a paramedic when they arrived at the scene.
02 October 2024
Police Conduct Searches in L'Derry Related To Hoax Bomb Calls
Detectives from the PSNI's Terrorism Investigation Unit (TIU) conducted two planned searches in the city on Tuesday, 01 October, as part of an ongoing investigation into dissident republican activity.
Police Conduct Searches in L'Derry Related To Hoax Bomb Calls
Detectives from the PSNI's Terrorism Investigation Unit (TIU) conducted two planned searches in the city on Tuesday, 01 October, as part of an ongoing investigation into dissident republican activity.
10 October 2017
Man Charged Over Bomb Hoax at Primary School In Ballymena
A man has been charged after a bomb hoax at a primary school in Ballymena. An investigation was launched after Harryville Primary School on Casement Street received a bomb warning on Tuesday, 10 October. A search was carried out at the school. A 60-year-old man was arrested and charged with "communicating false information causing bomb hoax".
Man Charged Over Bomb Hoax at Primary School In Ballymena
A man has been charged after a bomb hoax at a primary school in Ballymena. An investigation was launched after Harryville Primary School on Casement Street received a bomb warning on Tuesday, 10 October. A search was carried out at the school. A 60-year-old man was arrested and charged with "communicating false information causing bomb hoax".
19 September 2003
'Light it or lump it' for non-smokers at work?
Non-smokers at work are fuming over the additional breaks their smoking colleagues seem to be taking and are demanding additional breaks to compensate. According to one of the UK's leading supplier of business information, support and advice, Croner Consulting, 27% of the UK population smoke, with each smoker having on average 14 cigarettes a day.
'Light it or lump it' for non-smokers at work?
Non-smokers at work are fuming over the additional breaks their smoking colleagues seem to be taking and are demanding additional breaks to compensate. According to one of the UK's leading supplier of business information, support and advice, Croner Consulting, 27% of the UK population smoke, with each smoker having on average 14 cigarettes a day.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.