Viable device found at car in Dunmurry

Mr Redpath said that those behind the incidents ,where residents had to be evacuated from their homes, caused ‘serious disruption’ and he thanked the police for their tireless efforts to keep the community safe.

The police are looking at possible links between three other incidents where viable devices were found last week at other locations at St James Road, Friendly Street and North Queen Street in Belfast.

Inspector McGuigan said “Lisburn police were alerted to a suspect object near a car in the Colinbrook area on the evening of February 5. The caller was advised not to approach or touch the object. A police operation was launched and the PSNI helicopter was deployed.

“Following further information supplied by a member of the public, police arrived and evacuated homes in the area. Residents were taken to a nearby community centre for their safety while an Army Technical Officer examined the object which was later declared as a viable pipe bomb device. Residents were allowed to return home around 3am.

“I would like to thank members of the local community for their patience and understanding throughout this operation.”