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Car bomb left at Belfast Police HQ

A car bomb was left outside the Policing Board headquarters in Belfast yesterday, though it did not do serious damage and no one was hurt. By Shelley Marsden - 23/11/09

The 400lb car bomb, thought to be planted by IRA dissidents, partially exploded and the back of the vehicle burst into flames, while two men were seen fleeing on foot.

The Policing Board is made up of independent members of both sides of the community and politicians who hold police to account through regular public meetings.

Chief Constable Matt Baggott said: "It does appear to be a device that has partially exploded, around 400lb.

"It is a reckless act not just in doing damage but also the potential loss of life."

Nearby in the Republican New Lodge area of the city, a car was found burned out and police are investigating if there was a connection.

Mr Baggott added: "This attack is an attack on the well-being of everybody in Northern Ireland, this is not about an attack on policing or the Policing Board, this is an attack on young people and young people's future."

Meanwhile, in Co Fermanagh four people were arrested after gunfire was exchanged with police and suspected dissident Republicans.

The incident happened near the border with the Republic in Garrison. It is thought that the shooting was an attempt to kill a police officer from the village.

Northern Ireland Secretary Paul Goggins said: "When attacks like these happen it brings people together with the strong message that these dissidents will not succeed.

"Policing will continue in Northern Ireland and progress will continue."