Viable device was left on footpath

A viable explosive device was left on a footpath where children could have found it in a ‘wicked and cowardly act’.

The device was left in the Upper Lisburn Road area of Belfast this evening.

Officers, along with ATO, attended the scene after a suspicious object was discovered on the footpath.

Detective Sergeant Gardiner said: “ATO have declared the object to be a viable device and have removed it for further examination.

“The road, which was temporarily closed, has now reopened.

“I’d like to thank local people, who have had their evening disrupted, for their patience as we worked to make the area safe.

“The device was found on a footpath, where anyone – including children – could easily have come across it.

“This was a wicked and cowardly act, with potentially devastating consequences, and we are working to establish a motive and identify those responsible.

“I am appealing to anyone with information, or who noticed any suspicious activity in the area, to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 1287 of 05/06/20.”