Rocket ‘to attack armoured vehicles’ found in Poleglass

Police at the scene of the alert in Poleglass, on the outskirts of west Belfast. Credit: Presseye

A rocket which police say is designed “to attack armoured vehicles and kill the occupants” has been found at the centre of a bomb alert in Poleglass.

Searches got underway on the outskirts of west Belfast following a telephone warning about a suspect device on Monday.

Parts of the area were cordoned off for two days and a device was found on Pantridge Road.

Army experts have since declared it to be “an explosively formed projectile”.

The security alert has now ended, but police say it is extremely fortunate that no one was killed or seriously injured.

PSNI Belfast District Commander, Chief Superintendent Jonathan Roberts said: “While this device was clearly designed to kill or seriously injure police officers serving the local community in west Belfast, it was left in a position where there is every possibility that it could have killed or maimed members of the public."

PSNI Belfast District Commander, Chief Superintendent Jonathan Roberts speaks to the press. Credit: Pacemaker

Chief Superintendent Roberts added: “Those responsible have shown callous disregard for the safety of members of the public and the police officers serving this community.

“I can assure the local community that police officers will continue to go about their duty and this will not deflect us from doing our job.”

Police also thanked the public for their patience during the lengthy police operation and said the primary aim of officers had been to keep the local community safe.

The overwhelming number of people in the community do not want this type of activity, and we as a police service will continue to work to bring those responsible before the courts.

PSNI Chief Superintendent Jonathan Roberts

Detectives from the PSNI’s Serious Crime branch are aware of a claim of responsibility having been made to a local news outlet and that will form part of their investigation.

Dissident republicans are being blamed.

A specific appeal is being made for anyone who noticed anyone at a public telephone at the junction of Skyline Drive and the Bellsize Road at around 11.10am on Monday to contact police.

They would also like to hear from anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the vicinity of the Pantridge Road/Brian’s Well Road over the weekend of Friday 27 to Monday 30 October to contact detectives on 101.

Information can also be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.