Pipe bomb recovered after west Belfast alert

A pipe bomb has been recovered following a west Belfast security alert.

PSNI
Published 16th Jul 2017
Last updated 16th Jul 2017

Residents in Coolnasilla Park West had to be evacuated from their homes on Saturday night and the early hours of Sunday morning.

The device was made safe by an ATO team and has been taken away for further examination.

PSNI Detective Inspector Paul Rowland said: “A number of residents were moved from their homes during this alert and we are thankful to them for their patience.

Sinn FĂ©in MLA Alex Maskey condemned those behind the incident.

"Those who left this device in a residential area clearly have no regard for the people who live here and I am appealing for the community’s support in identifying the perpetrators," he said.

"A number of residents were moved from their homes during the security alert in Coolnasilla Park West.

“This device could have endangered residents in the area.

“An area was sealed off by police and the bomb defused on site.

"There can be no justification for this attack and I would appeal to anyone with information to contact the police.”