Dissident republican ‘intended target of north Belfast pipe bomb’

https://belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/dissident-republican-intended-target-of-north-belfast-pipe-bomb/a1170165842.html

A second suspicious object has been found in north Belfast hours after police confirmed a viable pipe bomb had been recovered from the area.
The target of the attack is believed to be a low-ranking member of the political party Republican Network for Unity (RNU).

The man, aged in his 20s, has young children. A disabled relative also lives at the property.

In recent times the renegade group of former Oglaigh na hEireann members have escalated their activity, posting pictures online featuring masked men, and issuing threats to rival republicans.

Those responsible were also behind the attempted murder of RNU member Sean O'Reilly in February.

The 49-year-old republican was shot as he sat in his taxi at Bell Steel Manor in Dunmurry. Two masked gunmen approached the car and fired shots through the window, injuring him in the arm.

Residents of Havana Court, who were originally evacuated from their homes overnight, have once again been asked to evacuate.

In the first alert, police said they received a report at approximately 10.30pm on Sunday that a pipe bomb had been thrown at a house in Havana Court.

Pipe bomb found under car in north Belfast

Officers attended the scene, alongside ammunition technical officers (ATO).

An item was then located under a car. The item was deemed to be a viable pipe bomb and was made safe before being removed for further examination.

Police later returned to Havana Court on Monday morning following the discovery of a second suspicious object.

Road users and members of the public were again advised to avoid the area.

Following the discovery of the first device, a PSNI spokesperson said: "If the pipe bomb had exploded underneath the car, so close to a petrol tank, the consequences could have been devastating.

"A number of people had to leave their homes overnight as this safety operation was carried out and we thank them for their patience – we never underestimate the impact this disruption has on the public.”

SDLP councillor Carl Whyte condemned the attack.

"This was a frightening and utterly reckless incident in the middle of a residential street," he said.

"I want to thank the emergency services for their swift and professional response.

"There is absolutely no place for this kind of behaviour in our community, it's completely unacceptable.”

Mr Whyte asked anyone with information surrounding the attack to contact the PSNI.

"People in North Belfast are focused on building safer, stronger communities. Those behind this attack clearly have no interest in that,” he added.

"I would urge anyone with information to come forward and assist the police. People here deserve better than this."

Sinn Féin councillor Nichola Bradley said the alerts are causing disruption for residents in the area.

"The community centre is open for people while the alert continues,” she said.

"This is causing disruption and I hope residents can return to their homes as soon as possible."