Bomb explodes at Belfast Territorial Army barracks
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A number of civilians escaped injury today following a bomb attack at Territorial Army barracks in Belfast.
It is understood a device exploded after it was thrown over the fence of the barracks at Ashfield Crescent in the north of the city early this morning. No TA personnel are believed to have been in the barracks at the time, however a number of civilian guards were on duty. There have been no reports of any injuries.
Army bomb experts were called to the scene following reports of the explosion and were today examining the remains of the device which was found within the grounds of the barracks.
There was a heavy police presence within the area throughout the day and a large area around the barracks — which is in a residential area — was cordoned off during the security operation.
The Army would not say how many people were in the base at the time of the attack however a spokesman said that all bases “are fully guarded”.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said: “ATO have been tasked to examine a suspicious object at Ashfield Crescent. The object was discovered by police checking the area following reports of an explosion in the early hours of this morning.”
North Belfast Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) councillor Ian Crozier said he heard the explosion at around 1.30am today.
“I heard an almighty bang early this morning. Apparently a bomb of some sort was thrown over the fence of the barracks.
“Thankfully nobody was hurt. As far as I know guards were on duty at the time. I am very concerned about this. I’m concerned about the potential injury to soldiers, but also to civilians as this is a residential area.
“This was a grossly irresponsible act. It seems that this is the shape of things to come. Nobody wants this. We really need to get the message across to those behind this sort of thing that they are not acting on anybody’s behalf.”
Local resident Mary Kelly said she was terrified by the explosion.
“I was in bed at about 1.30 this morning and heard a loud bang. It brought me right back to years ago.”
SDLP councillor Cathal Mullaghan said he was “very angry at this type of activity.”
He added: “We could have been looking at deaths or serious injuries here.”
From The Belfast Telegraph