First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have issued a joint condemnation following the weekend's explosive device attack at Dunmurry police station.

The leaders spoke out after a delivery driver was hijacked and forced to transport a gas cylinder device to the station, which subsequently exploded during a police evacuation of the surrounding area.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill stated: "Those behind this reckless attack have put lives in danger and shown a total disregard for the local community.

"Our thoughts are with the delivery driver who was put through an extremely terrifying ordeal as well as those residents who had to be evacuated. "It is extremely fortunate that nobody was killed or seriously injured by the selfish actions of those who have nothing to offer our society."

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly echoed these sentiments, highlighting the cowardice of those involved and the professionalism of the responding officers. She said: "Those responsible for this despicable attack put lives at risk. I have no doubt all right-thinking people will reject this sort of behaviour and see it as a cowardly attempt to try and drag us all backwards.

"We would like to commend the police officers for their swift response to this incident, their courage in the face of danger ensured local residents were protected.

"We would appeal to anyone with information to contact the PSNI."